Published by St. Martin's Press Genres: History, Holocaust, Nonfiction, War
Format: ARC, eBook
“They tore off our belongings, food and clothing but music is the one thing that they could not take away from us, music that evil could not destroy”. – Alice Herz-Sommer, pianist and Holocaust survivor
The Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz: A Story of Survival is a moving and informative tale of survival, talent, bravery, sacrifice, and the horrors of Auschwitz. Music means so much to so many people, we turn to it when we are happy, sad, celebrating, saying goodbye, healing from a broken heart, or just to enjoy ourselves. For the women in the Orchestra no matter their skill level, music became a matter of life or death. It saved them, it brought them together, and it entertained the Nazi’s.
“That I survived nearly one year in Auschwitz is without any doubt due to the fact that I became a member of the camp orchestra. As long as the Germans wanted an orchestra, it would have been counter-productive to kill us”.- Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, cellist in the Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz
Anne Sebba did a tremendous amount of research in the writing of this book. It is evident and showcased on every page. She also interviewed those who played in the orchestra. As I mentioned the orchestra was made up of women with talents ranging from Alma Rosé, a celebrity violinist prior to the war, women of varying musical skills, and lastly to to Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, the last surviving member of the Orchestra.
“This is what we have, and with this we will triumph”:was the rallying cry Alma Rosé used with her orchestra members in the camp.
The women survived by being given extra food, better accommodations, undergarments, and dresses to play while performing. They practiced for hours and end and were at the whim of the Nazi’s who would often wake them at various to have the play. They were playing for their lives while having to entertain those who took the lives of their loved ones, those who threaten their daily existence, and those who look down upon them.
“In Birkenau music was both the best and the worst. The best: it swallowed the time and allowed us to forget, like a drug; afterwards you were numbed and sucked dry. The worst: our public—on the one hand, the murderers, and on the other, the victims”. -Fania Fénelon, pianist and vocalist in the Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz:
This was a wonderfully written and moving book. I love books that cause me to think and feel while also teaching me something new. I love books about ordinary people who are faced with extraordinary circumstances. To be able to survive in such a place is a blessing. It is our duty to remember their stories. That is why books such as The Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz: A Story of Survival is important. They are vital especially now in a time where Antisemitism is rearing its ugly head.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
