Kitty, My Rib gives us the “inside story” of the marriage of Dr. and Katharine Luther as well as their family life. Theirs was a marriage that started out “one-sided,” for Katharine, who had always wanted to get married, had a deep love for Luther, but Luther was convinced by a friend to take her as his wife because he needed someone who could cook and keep the parsonage clean! Katharine was 26 years old and Luther 42 when they married. Though at first Katharine didn’t feel the joy and happiness as a new bride should have, she saw herself as the wife of the great Dr. Luther and her role being to bring a little love and comfort to him—a role that truly did make Katharine happy. It was great to read how their love for one another grew over time, but more so, to see their deep devotion, commitment, and admiration, and how well they worked together, side by side, encouraging one another all the time, but especially during the very difficult times. “Kitty, my rib” was the nickname Luther gave Katharine after the birth of their first son.

Katharine was an exceptionally courageous woman, having escaped the convent through her cell window along with 11 others after being punished for heresy. She was wise, intelligent, and a humble woman of prayer, who knew how to comfort and quiet Luther during his turmoil, despondency, and depression. All this time, hating Wittenberg, she wished they could have a cottage in the country—a place where Luther could have rest and relaxation, for Luther continually battled health issues. Katharine truly devoted her whole life to be a positive and loving servant to Luther, her husband, even when he was away for long periods of time.

Katharine and Luther didn’t have much privacy. The huge parsonage was always full of students and visitors, with their table full of food, which kept Katharine extremely busy. Katharine also ministered alongside Luther during plagues, sicknesses, and while feeding the poor and homeless. Luther would continually be giving things away (including money), which made it difficult to keep up with all the expenses. And since Luther never took payments for his writings, their life was hard. Katharine, when given money, would hide it from Luther, along with some of their precious wedding gifts Luther kept giving away. But she used the money wisely, and Luther would tell her she was a good wife.

After Luther’s death, Katharine planned to move to Zulsdorf. But because of lack of money and the church turning their back on her and the family, they had to stay at the parsonage, taking in boarders for income. Katharine felt the responsibility to Luther’s memory to aid the church even though it had abandoned them.

After Katharine’s accidental death, the children grieved but reminded each other of what their mother and father had always told them: “God will take care of you. He is everywhere with you.”

I recommend this fascinating, enlightening, and encouraging book to any reader. This is a most unusual “romance” story within a marriage that endures many harsh trials, yet without losing respect, commitment, honor, and love for one another as husband and wife. This is a book that will benefit both young and old!

Linda Mohagen
Slim Buttes Lutheran Church
Reva, SD

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