Certainly one of the hardest books I’ve read. Absolutely heart breaking and devastating. But as other reviewers have written …. Important for us to read so we can understand what went on in the camps. Truthfully I almost put it down several times but I’m glad I persevered.

This is based on the true story of Alma Rose’s experience at Auschwitz. Alma was a professional violin player before she was taken to the concentration camp. While at the camp she does what she has to to survive herself and save as many others as possible.

I’ve read many stories of Auschwitz in the past year and this one did not disappoint. I recognized some of the descriptions from other stories. These stories need to keep coming out so we never forget what happened. I loved the author’s writing style and how well the story flowed. Alma’s strength is amazing and it came through very well. I really enjoyed this book.

Wow

If I could give this 100 more stars to the rating, I would. Such a beautiful, heartbreaking true story, that I wasn’t ready to end, and yet am so glad that it did. Everyone should read this and know her name.

Wow, this might be my favorite book of 2020. I believe I had heard of Alma Rose before but I didn't realize how I knew the name. Alma's story is one that has been begging to be told and Ellie Midwood tells her story with eloquence and elegance. It was easy to understand even though the content was dark and deeply sad. I think Ellie Midwood created a historical fiction book that Alma would've been very proud of. There are so many takeaways from this book and I believe I will have to let this one sit with me for awhile. I've already told so many people about it. I can't wait to see what book we get from Ellie Midwood next.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to be one of the first to read this next great historical fiction novel. It is sure to be a great success.

There was beauty in this book--music and love--yet it was so devastating.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of the opinions are my own and this did not affect my review in any way.

“And the right thing was always worthy of risking one´s life for”

I requested this book from Netgalley because historical fiction books set in the context of World War II intrigue me and when I saw this was inspired by a real event made it much more appealing.

The Violinist of Auschwitz is set in Auschwitz 1943 and we follow Alma Rosé who 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.

This is one of my new favorite historical fiction books of all time. Historical fiction book such as this one are hard to read, you have to push yourself to read in spite of all the horrors, the violence, the inhumane actions but we have to do this in order to learn, we have to read all of these stories so we don’t forget.

This book hit me and it hit me hard as it is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. Alma Rosé´s story is raw and impactful. The author does a great job portraying what the living situations of Alma in Auschwitz were based on true testimonies. While reading you are able to fully picture what the life for those women was like and you are able to hurt, feel and connect with the characters.

By the end of this book I couldn’t stop crying, it is hard to imagine having to go through what these women went through. The story of Alma, even though it had some minor alterations for reading purposes was inspiring, it was heartfelt and emotional to see someone try to make the best out of a horrible situation and try to help as many people as she could.

Alma Rosé´s story is one everyone should read and I recommend everyone to pick this book up, I promise you won’t be disappointed. Thank you Ellie Midwood for telling Alma´s story in such a beautiful way, I will definitely keep an eye out for anything this author publishes in the future

Thanks so much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for allowing me read and review this book.

“For hatred never substituted talent or skill or intellect”

What a wonderful story! And based on a real person turns it even more interesting. I have read many books about Auschwitz, and each touches me differently. After this one I still imagine music playing inside my head, not a happy one, but full of desperation, pain and mourning…
Thanks to the author for rewriting this events that we can never forget!
My administration belongs to Alma Rose, who was an example of woman’s strength for all of us

Extraordinary. Alma Rose, a story that needed to be told

I have read many testimonies and stories centred around the brutal Nazi camps of Auschwitz Birkenau. Each story reveal more, not only of the hatred and evil the Nazi regime perpetrated, but also of the incredible bravery, resilience and strength of the inmate. None more so than Alma Rose, a celebrated violinist captured and imprisoned in Auschwitz Birkenau.
Ellie Midwood has created a story that gives light on Alma Rose's life, her influence, her integrity and her legacy - how she was able to provide hope for her orchestra of inmates in the harshest and most difficult place. Yes, a work of fiction, but the craft of a skilled novelist is in bringing character to life, creating the believable. But here, Ellie Midwood blends fiction and interweaves factual events that reveal even more of the humanity of Alma Rose, who was indeed a most extraordinary woman.