David Mathias

A Memory of Kassendahl David Mathias

In 1944, John Miller dreamed of joining his brother, fighting the war in Europe in hope that he would see the world. A farming accident sends his life in a new direction, taking him to northern Wisconsin where he finds work in the lumber industry. John meets Abby, a beautiful and simple country girl. A strong bond of love develops between the young couple and they vow to spend their lives together in a meadow they've named Kassendahl (Kissing Place). They believe in each other with all their hearts until Abby leaves mysteriously one night leaving nothing but a simple and inexplicable note. The lumber business is fraught with accidents particularly at the hands of an angry and incompetent wood boss. A contest between two lumber barons results in the death of the lumber camp cook who had been a good friend to all of the workers. An act of revenge leads to murder. John discovers the truth and attempts to bring the murderer to justice while Abby is living a life of the rich and privileged in Chicago and every attempt at communication between the two is confusing and unsuccessful. A Memory of Kassendahl is a saga of two people in love who endure a myriad of problems, opportunities and misfortunes. Each of them lives a completely different life and as a result, grow in deep and profound ways while trying to reunite over an entire year.