Tony Kellen’s book isn't a novel with a plot, but it tells a compelling story about a place. Published in the early 20th century, it examines the region around Malmedy, which was part of Prussia (Germany) at the time, even though its people were culturally and linguistically Walloon—part of French-speaking Belgium.

The Story

Think of it as a collection of snapshots and investigations. Kellen acts as a guide, showing us the area's history, its customs, its language, and its architecture. He lays out the evidence of a deep-rooted Walloon identity that persisted despite decades of Prussian administration. The central tension isn't between characters, but between an imposed political identity and a lived cultural one. It's the story of a landscape and its people, arguing through facts and observation that Malmedy’s true home was always with the Wallonie to its west.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was how personal it feels. Kellen isn't a detached academic; he's a writer from the region making a case for its soul. You get a real sense of place—the sound of the Walloon language in the streets, the shape of the local buildings, the weight of history in everyday life. In a world still full of border disputes and cultural clashes, this century-old study reads like a quiet commentary on how people define themselves against the lines drawn on maps.

Final Verdict

This is a niche but rewarding read. It’s perfect for history buffs who enjoy micro-history—the deep dive into one specific place—and for anyone curious about European cultural identity. If you like the idea of an old, thoughtful travelogue mixed with a political-cultural argument, you'll find this really special. It's not a light beach read, but for the right reader, it’s a captivating window into a forgotten corner of Europe.