Novel Study: The Borrowed House | World War II, Richard Wagner, and The Ring of the Nibelung

Novel Study: The Borrowed House | World War II, Richard Wagner, and The Ring of the Nibelung

The Borrowed House is a beautiful look at the realities of WWII and the people who were faced with unthinkable circumstances. It follows the story of Janna who has been raised on the Nazi propaganda and finds herself living in the borrowed house in Amsterdam. Over the course of the next few months she comes face to face with her own prejudice and the reality of the people she has come to know and love. 

Layered with beautiful symbolism, Wagner’s magnum opus 4-cycle opera The Ring of the Nibelung plays a key part in Janna’s life. This young-reader friendly version of the mythology that inspired Wagner is a perfect pairing to Janna’s story. 

This study includes 6 weeks of guided study through:

• the novel with discussion questions 
• Richard Wagner and the Ring opera
• Mythology
• Historical elements: importance of the Rhine river, canal houses, the Netherlands, propaganda, and Dutch artists
• Arthur Rackham's illustrations of The Rhinegold and the Valkyrie (the celebrated illustrator from the golden age of children's illustration)

Intended for ages 10+ but can be adapted for younger learners by focusing on the music, mythology, history, and art.

You will need: The Borrowed House by Hilda von Stockum and The Ring and the Fire by Clyde Robert Bulla, a listening device, and Book of Centuries (optional)

*the guide includes QR Codes for easy links, if you choose to print the document.

For printing, we recommend our print partner Humble Heart Press.

Due to the digital nature of this product, we are unable to accept returns.