Book Info
Name of Book : The Violinist of Auschwitz
Author : Jean-Jacques Felstein
Publisher : Pen & Sword Books
Publication Date : 30 Nov 2021
No. of Pages : 208
Format : E Book
Why did I choose the book?
I have already read some books dedicated to World War 2. So, when the book, The Violinist of Auschwitz by Jean-Jacques Felstein was offered by Pen & Sword Books in exchange of a fair review, grabbed it before the title is archived.
Where to get the book?
The book, The Violinist of Auschwitz by Jean-Jacques Felstein is available on Amazon :
Author Introduction
Jean-Jacques Felstein was born in 1948 and began his studies at Nanterre in 1968. He achieved a diploma in specialist education in 1976, followed by a degree in English and a diploma in languages and communication sciences. He worked in education for twenty-three years, before becoming the department head in a child protection unit at the Seine-Saint-Denis General Council. Here he acquired expert knowledge on concepts such as heritage, parentage, abuse, and incest. During these years, he practised music and played guitar in a hard rock group, performing in numerous concerts. He died in Paris in 2015, following a long illness.
Blurb
Auschwitz, 1943: In the depths of hell, can hope rise? And can love triumph over hatred?
Based on the unforgettable true story of Alma Rosé, The Violinist of Auschwitz brings to life one of history’s most fearless, inspiring and courageous heroines. Alma’s bravery saved countless lives, bringing hope to those who had forgotten its meaning…
In Auschwitz, every day is a fight for survival. Alma is inmate 50381, the number tattooed on her in pale blue ink. She is cooped up with thousands of others, torn from loved ones, trapped in a maze of barbed wire. Every day people disappear, never to be seen again.
This tragic reality couldn’t be further from Alma’s previous life. An esteemed violinist, her performances left her audiences spellbound. But when the Nazis descend on Europe, none of that can save her…
When the head of the women’s camp appoints Alma as the conductor of the orchestra, performing for prisoners trudging to work as well as the highest-ranking Nazis, Alma refuses: “they can kill me but they won’t make me play”. Yet she soon realizes the power this position offers: she can provide starving girls with extra rations and save many from the clutches of death.
This is how Alma meets Miklos, a talented pianist. Surrounded by despair, they find happiness in joint rehearsals, secret notes, and concerts they give side by side––all the while praying that this will one day end. But in Auschwitz, the very air is tainted with loss, and tragedy is the only certainty… In such a hopeless place, can their love survive?
This devastatingly heartbreaking yet beautifully hopeful tale proves that even in the darkest of days, love can prevail––and give you something to live for. Fans of The Choice, The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The Orphan Train will lose their hearts to this magnificent tale.
My Opinion
The Violinist of Auschwitz by Jean-Jacques Felstein, an excellent and mind blowing book which narrates a horrific story of Nazi rule. I have never read something like this. The author has portrayed minute details of Holocaust which are beyond imagination. It is not only a biography but an emotional picture of a country torn apart because of war and hatred. The plot is basically set in a camp where Jews are assigned to play music for the Nazi soldiers with disregard to their basic rights. They live in un- hygienic conditions and are forced to play music whatever happens.
I would like to give the book 5 stars for its amazing narration and plot. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me an opportunity to read and review the book.
Character Portrayal
Amazing characters of The Violinist of Auschwitz by Jean-Jacques Felstein who are full of will power and confidence which helped them in sustaining the hard life of Nazi camps. Amongst this a strong bond of friendship also formed which sparks the interest in the book. I would not say further as I do not want to spoil the plot by revealing much.
Narrative Style
The narration of The Violinist of Auschwitz by Jean-Jacques Felstein is the star point of the book. With a single POV narration, the author has detailed each and everything.
Ratings
- Recommendation ------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cover --------------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Climax -------------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Plot ------------------------------ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Narration ------------------------ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Characters ---------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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