What a beautifully tragic tale. Anything set in World War Two always tugs at my heart strings, it's such a stain on our history as a human race.

Alma is a prominent Vienna violinist, arrested and brought to Auschwitz. It turns out to be the very thing that saves her from the true horrors within the concentration camp. It is here that she ends up as an inmate with "privileges", extra rations, proper clothing, a bed and showers. She quickly learns that her prominent status as a musician gives her a certain amount of pull with the SS high command. Alma uses this influence to save a large group of women, forming an orchestra within the camp, able to perform for the SS. Based around a true story, Alma is another prime example of the true heroes of World War Two. With her influence, she manages to save countless people from the gas chambers, and they come away from the camps with their lives and life-long respect for Alma Rosé.

Of course, this book gave me all the feels. I have so much respect for Alma Rosé and her impact on the countless people she touched during her time in Auschwitz. While all I can do is read about this blight on our history, I can't imagine being as strong as some of the people within history that I read about. Alma is one of those people, and I honestly am so glad to have learned about her.

4.5