The Violinist of Auschwitz

“For eternity, no matter how short it will be.”
“For all eternity, and long after that, too.”

Based on the true story of Alma Rosé, an esteemed violinist, who saved numerous lives and was the conductor of orchestra at Auschwitz, playing for both Nazis and prisoners. She was brave, fierce and talented. Her celebrity could not save her from being sent to the camps but she cleverly used it, so save others, bring peace to those she could not save, and to rebel in the only way she knew how.

“It’s all right to laugh about death. We, like no one else, has deserved the right.”

I originally gave this book four stars, but it stayed with me and I could not stop thinking about and found myself telling others about it. I found myself wondering if my Ma heard the orchestra playing during her horrific time in Auschwitz. For people who have lost everything, those in the camps still gave. When faced with cruelty, suffering inhumane conditions and treatment, they still loved, they were brave, and they still maintained their humanity. Alma Rosé was a perfect example of this.

I love books based on real people. I also love books that are thought provoking and evoke emotion. This book did all those things. A considerable amount of research went into the writing of this book. It is rich with detail and is not a book one should speed through. I also enjoyed the “Note on History” at the end.

Thank you to Bookouture 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.