Every book that I read about the holocaust leaves me both horrified by the injustice of it all and stunned by the sheer strength and determination that some people have, in spite of incredible obstacles. This book only added to my awe.

The titular "violinist" is Alma Rose, a true-life Viennese performing musician who was sent to Auschwitz due to her Jewish blood (though she was raised as a protestant). The book begins on what purports to be Alma's final day, and reveals her intent to commit suicide after that evenings performance. The next page reverts to the previous year and details the story of how Alma was recognized in Auschwitz as a famous musician, and how she bravely and brazenly parleyed that fame into the creation of a 40 piece womens orchestra and saved nearly every woman in it from almost certain death. While author Midwood uses some creative license, most of the book is faithful to the true story of Alma, as told by the women in the orchestra.

The writing was well-paced, the story was well-researched and the cover is absolutely gorgeous (the significance of the cover design is only realized in the final pages of the book). This is an inspiring story that deserves to be told. Recommend.

My thanks to #NetGalley, author Ellie Midwood and publisher Bookouture for the opportunity to read an ARC of #TheViolinistOfAuschwitz in exchange for my honest opinion.