Hands down The Violinist of Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood is the best historical fiction book that I have read this year. Nothing has come close to beating it and with two months left in the year I can’t see any other books toppling this astonishing read as my historical fiction read of 2020. It is quite simply a masterpiece. Right from the opening line, this story is absorbing, thrilling, tense and very very powerful and is a stark reminder lest we should forget of the horror and suffering endured by so many because of the actions of a mad man. You run the gauntlet of emotions with each of the characters and at times this is a very difficult book to read as the images and situations written about are horrific and the picture built up in your mind is a very difficult one to shake. We have all read and know about the death camps created by Hitler and the Nazi’s and just when you think you can’t read anymore that what could another story in this genre set during World War Two and specifically Auschwitz bring to the table, here comes this remarkable author to shine a light on a previously unknown to me aspect of the war.

The Violinist of Auschwitz is based on the true story of an Austrian woman named Alma Rose. I had never heard of her before but now after reading this phenomenal and exceptional story, Alma is a woman I will never forget. A woman who used her musical talents to bring some sort of hope and salvation to as many as possible in their darkest hour. It’s evident from the beginning that the author carried out extensive research in order to bring Alma’s story to life. Such compelling, detailed and emotional writing transports you instantly to the heart of the story and the spell that this book casts over you doesn’t relent its magic until you read the very last word. I couldn’t stop reading and any time I had to put this book down for whatever reason was so annoying as I was desperate to keep reading as I felt I was there alongside Alma and the orchestra she creates as they try to survive on a daily basis in the hopes that what they were doing would see them survive the most terrible place on earth.

They treaded a very fine line throughout the book but with Alma as their leader I was hoping they would be able to keep on going through the deprivation, starvation, annihilation, barbarism and brutality to emerge scarred yet victorious through the other side. In the camp one only had two choices, adapt or perish. Alma chose to adapt and use all her talents as a violinist with some renown throughout Europe pre-war and in making this decision she also knew she had to try and protect those around her. The orchestra and their task of performing for the evil Dr. Mengle by a certain date was a heavy burden to carry and one would never think that an orchestra could have existed in the camps. But it did and Alma used every ounce of her strength, conviction, determination and capabilities to see her task right through until the end. Even if in doing so herself and the other inmates experiences were life altering, damaging and degrading.

Auschwitz was an extermination factory and I have read numerous times about the camp in other historical fiction books that I have read but Ellie Midwood brought this atrocious time in history to life in a way I never thought possible. I thought it was brilliant that from the first chapter the reader was transported straight to the story. There was no messing around with the background to the war or Alma’s capture and subsequent transportation to the place that would changer her forever. Whatever we needed to know as to Alma’s previous life and how she came to be one of the millions transported to camps was told as the story progressed. The book begins in 1943 and in a way the entire story is compressed into a short space of time considering the overall length of the war but the author packs so much into that brief time period and never at any time did it feel rushed or that too much information was being thrown at the reader that there wasn’t a chance to digest what was happening. The pace is perfect and I felt like I ran the gauntlet of emotions and experiences with Alma and her group of incredible women. The highs and lows of which the lows far outweighed any positives but still through it all they persisted and kept going with music being their salvation as they clung to any fragment of hope that there might be light at the end of the tunnel.

Alma is traumatised and in pain when she first arrives at the camp but despite the suffering, torture and damage that she knows lies ahead she feels that perhaps everything is not lost if the beauty of music could find its way into the camp. This is what she clings throughout her incarceration and she spreads this positivity with her and later as love finds its way into her heart. Initially I questioned whether I liked Alma as a character, and this was perhaps because I was worried and afraid for her, she wasn’t playing by the rules. Instead she was standing up to the powers that be, placing herself in what I felt to be unnecessary danger especially given her situation was already very precarious with her life hanging on a knife edge. I thought really she should be keeping her mouth shut and just trying to make it through each day in the best way possible especially considering all that she witnesses and watching daily the crematorium working away and having no escape from knowing or seeing what was going on in those walls.

If Alma had played the game from the minute she disembarked from the transport train onto the grounds of the camp she could have kept herself safe and gone under the radar but instead she chose to put herself out there as she had a bigger plan in mind. One that would hopefully save women from death and freedom might just be waiting if they could survive long enough. Her initial actions slightly turned me against her as I was frightened for her but then as the book progressed I came to understand what an incredible woman she was. Every action, every word uttered was all done with a distinct end goal in mind. Therefore my opinion of her changed from the one I had first formed, and I found her to be beyond brave, courageous, loyal, creative and instinctive.

Alma was in a fight for survival and as she gathered her troops around her, in the form of the orchestra, there was no way she was going down without giving it everything she had got. Not that she would ever admit or concede to defeat. For when the gates of the camp she hoped would eventually open she was determined that she would be amongst those that made it through to the bitter end. Alma always showed such immense strength and dignity. Her talents as a musician, and later as a strategist, were second to none and above all else her integrity, resilience and the self-sacrifices she made make her a character that leaves the most profound of impacts on your heart and mind. Love and affection sustain her through the darkest and most challenging of times but when faced with the most difficult point of her journey will Alma fall apart after everything she has been through and all the lives she has saved or has she the resilience to see everything through to the bitter end?

There really are no words that I can write that do this stunning book any justice. To use the word stunning given the subject matter may seem wrong but that is what this book is. There is such depth, honesty and pure emotion oozing from every page and yes a lot of the scenes are incredibly painful to read but I am glad that the author never spared any detail. Every little bit of pain and suffering experienced by the inmates was described in minute detail and the extent of the experiments and the horrors inflicted are unspeakable. Yet those images are imprinted on my mind and I suppose they should be so no one will ever forget what so many went through in order for us to live the lives we lead today so many years later. The writing is exceptional throughout this book and there were endless paragraphs or even a simple sentence that I had to stop and reread several times just to fully appreciate what was being conveyed and the impact it was making.

No doubt about it The Violinist of Auschwitz is a book that deserves great success and to be read by as many people as possible. I can’t wait to read many more books from Ellie Midwood because if they are anything as near as the calibre of this remarkable story than I know I am in for a outstanding read.

4.5 stars!

Thanks so much to @netgalley and @bookouture for my e-arc in exchange for an honest review. THE VIOLINIST OF AUSCHWITZ publishes today!

Go read this book. If you have read The Tattooist of Auschwitz, go read this book. I dare you not to feel all the emotions. This book is heartbreakingly beautiful, yet full of hope.

I loved Alma, the Violinist who came from a privileged background, but put the needs of everybody else before her own. She saved the lives of so many women and girls by getting them to join her orchestra to entertain the SS guards.

While Alma was allowed to live because of her musical talent, she didn’t just use it to entertain he SS guards. Music heals people. That’s exactly what she did for so many. She would bring her choir of musicians and go to the sick ward and play music to the sick. Alma also hummed a comforting tune to one of her girls who found out her mother died. You don’t know how much music can help someone until you are in a place such as Auschwitz-where death isn’t a possibility, but a promise for most of the inmates there.

I really enjoyed reading the authors note too- this book is based on real life events. Having an orchestra run by Jews (who would otherwise had been gassed upon arrival in Auschwitz) were saved by Alma and played in her orchestra.

The ending wasn’t quite what I had hoped for, which bumps it down half a star, but upon further reflection, it’s more realistic how the author ended this book. I look forward to reading more from this debut author!

Instead of going to safety in England with her father, Alma Rosé a famous Viennese violinist stayed in Europe, she defied the German’s and continued to perform and she’s eventually arrested in Holland. She arrived at Auschwitz in 1943, and here she’s inspected, luckily she passed the first test, fumigated and tattooed. Thousands of people are kept in the worst conditions imaginable in the infamous camp; it’s a daily fight to survive and any sign of weakness; a person’s moldy bread ration could be stolen by someone stronger or they would be sent to the gas chambers and exterminated.

Alma’s fame was noticed by the head of the women’s camp, she’s to be the conductor of the camp orchestra, perform for visiting Nazi officials and she had until Christmas to make sure they are ready. Alma at first is very reluctant to do it, why should she share her precious music with the German’s and they don’t deserve it. Then she realized she could use it to her advantage, the members of the orchestra didn’t have to do the back breaking work other inmates are expected to do and they might survive the camp. Alma was incredibly fearless, she asked for extra rations for orchestra members, better living quarters; they could shower, wash and wear civilian clothes Alma and her group of musicians brought joy and hope to the entire camp; they looked after each other and become friends. Alma meets pianist Miklos Steinberg, they fall in love, surely the war had to end soon and the camp would be liberated?

The Violinist of Auschwitz isn't an easy story to read and you are made aware of all the horrible things that happened in Auschwitz and nothing is left out. Alma Rosé was a real person, her story is one of determination, dedication and she was bold and an incredibly brave woman. I highly recommend reading The Violinist of Auschwitz, well done Ellie Midwood on writing an amazing book and five big stars from me.

Heartbreaking, poignant, important... all words to describe this book. It's unfathomable how people lived in these camps, but the beauty of music can truly help the human soul. The beauty of this book was the music made by Ellie and Miklos despite the circumstances.

I would recommend this to anyone who has an interest in historical fiction or WWII.

Thank you for allowing me to read this and give my honest opinion.

My favorite genre of books is WWII historical fiction, so I was so happy when I received an ARC of this. The Violinist of Auschwitz was a great novel. It discussed friendships and love and so much more. It was nice to see someone that had such an impact on all characters in the book. I was leaning towards a 3.5 rating, but the ending made me push it up to 4 stars. I was reading this thinking that it was similar to other WWII books that I have read, but the ending was something that I did not expect. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this novel.

I loved this book. It’s based on a true story which made it more poignant.
Alma arrived in Auschwitz in July 1943 and was initially placed in the experimental block and after speaking to the block elder Magda Hellinger, she got her a violin to play.
Alma was a famous violinist and once she starts to play for small groups of people, word travels fast so she then gets moved to the musical block and is asked to run the orchestra at Birkenau.
Alma meets some kindred spirits and together make wonderful music together.
They are treated better than the other prisoners but still are held captive against their will.
Alma meets Miklos, a concert pianist and soon they fall in love. It’s lovely that something so special came out of such an awful time in history.
There are some heart wrenching moments in this book but with the subject matter, it is to be expected.
This is a great book and one that will stay with me for some time.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Based on a true story, The Violinist of Auschwitz is the story of Alma Rose, talented Viennese violinist who used to play to audiences across the country, alongside her father. When her father was sacked from his position in the orchestra because he was Jewish, Alma removed him safely to London. But instead of staying with him, she returned to Vienna, which eventually saw her imprisoned in Auschwitz.

When it was realized who Alma was, a violin was found for her and after much agonizing thought, she formed an orchestra of which she conducted. Extra rations and exemption from outside work meant Alma and her girls could practice; most of the Nazis appreciated good music and when a talented pianist was brought to Alma’s attention, she met Miklos. The two prisoners – in a place where there was no hope and no happiness – found love together. But would their plans to play together on the world stage after liberation, come to fruition? Auschwitz – the stench, the despair, the horrors, the degradation and humiliation – would anyone survive?

The Violinist of Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood is a heartbreaking story from a different perspective than others I’ve read previously. The horrors are all still there; Doctor Mengele – the Angel of Death – was a large part of the story. But Alma’s story, the sacrifices she made so her girls would be safe (as safe as anyone could be), the suffering they went through, and the friends she made in the time she was incarcerated, made for a special read. Recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

Alma Rose - Jew by descent, Christian by religion, concert violinist by profession - grew up loved, cared for and never wanting anything. As a gifted violinist, she forged her own path even when it was difficult due to the society she lived in. Then the world turned upside down for Jews, and her rights were taken away one by one. Finally, after sending her father off to safety in England, she returned to Holland as a gesture of defiance - and got away with it for a while. At last, though, she landed in Auschwitz. With all she's ever known stripped from her and surrounded by desperation and brutality, she begs for the opportunity to play the violin just once more, an action which eventually puts her in charge of the orchestra in the women's block. Her mission: to turn a very amateur band into an orchestra to be proud of - and save as many musicians (and others) as she can in the process. But failure will mean death for them all, and even success may not be enough...

This is definitely not a light read, but it is a compelling story - the sort that some may find inspiring, but others may find depressing. That makes it quite hard to review! On the positive side, the story is basically what I would call clean, and though there's necessarily a lot of horrible stuff going on (it is a concentration camp...), it's not presented overly graphically. Those with a vivid imagination who like to picture what's going on may find that this is not the best book to read because there are some pretty brutal scenes, but it felt like a necessary part of the story given the setting. On the more negative side, it can be hard at times to see past the horrible things people can do to each other to find any sort of hope - though there are definitely times when the way Alma stands up for 'her girls' is amazing. The writing itself is good, and I found the book surprisingly hard to put down, given the content. The historical details at the end are definitely worth reading - I was impressed with how much of the story is actually based on fact. All in all, while I probably won't read this story again, I'll probably try more by the author in future - just not too soon. 3.5 stars.

Summary: it's a good piece of historical fiction, but not recommended for those looking for anything lighter or with any sort of Christian message (it's not anti-Christian, God just doesn't really come into it) or happy ending. Readers should also be aware that while the horrors of concentration camps aren't glorified, they're not sugar-coated either, though Alma was spared most of the worst of things herself.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

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 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.

The Violinist of Auschwitz is based on a true story of famous Violinist Alma Rose from Vienna with her famous musical father played in Holland before the war until the day she was arrested and sent to Auschwitz. Alma a Jew was caught with a fake passport. She was sent to an experimental block where she bravely asked for a violin which started an orchestra. She played for the governor of Auschwitz and the SS guards of the camp. Between the atrocities that they performed on the Jews, Polish, Hungarian, Czech and others that were classed as defectives.

This is a very emotional and heartbreaking story. I have read much about the horrible events taking place in Auschwitz and the atrocities placed on the Jewish, Polish, Hungarian, and Czech, among other’s that fit the Nazi’s definition of the defectives. It makes it even more heartbreaking when the story is a true story.

I will be posting to promote on my instagram tomorrow (16/11) @rach_the_reader

gorgeous book!

A Violin Virtuoso is caught in the deadly trap of Hitlers ferocious roundup of Jews. Alma, the sweet violinist is not only tattooed, but committed to one of the most famous of all horror death camps, Auschwitz! Few seem to ever come out of here alive!
Alma has a spirit that is so awe-inspiring and valiant! She tries to thwart the Hitler Regime, but when she realizes that she could do good for a few she agrees to become the band conductor! Alma was fierce and protective about the welfare of her band people! Alma tolerated no abuse of those under her safekeeping. Alma tried not to become seductive in the eyes of the guards, but she did find one man who not only helped her endure, but could see light at the end of the journey! Will they be able to make it through Auschwitz alive for a happy ending?

The author wrote such a openhearted compelling book the pages flew by without you seeming to turn them! This book is one of those books that is so Magnetic that you will reread it again and again! I have read this 3 times!

I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone! I would love to give this more than five stars if it was a higher rating scale!

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions!

A very beautiful story. I have found that all the "X of Auschwitz" books lately are quite lovely. A sad, but important piece to know about history. Even if about 1/2 of the stories are fiction, the ones that are true, pull at your heartstrings. As they should. This time in our past isn't just a German or Polish or single country issue. It's world wide issue and we need to read more stories like this that are heartwarming, and sad, and even a little haunting, so that we don't repeat the past.



Several times during my read, I really wanted to cry at the dark beauty. The story here is of a woman trying to survive, as so many did not. I really wish I could have heard her play her violin (as it's one of my favorite instruments to listen to).



Loved this book.



5/5 Stars

I'm rating this 3 stars just to keep it neutral. The truth is I cannot rate this book. That's the first time this has ever happened and I'll tell you why,

The story follows Alma Rosé, a famous Austrian violinist who ends up in Auschwitz during World War II. Unlike others, Alma's group wasn't sent to quarantine upon arrival, neither were they marched straight to gas; instead, the were sent to Block 10. The experimental block.

What I was expecting from this book was struggle. Lots of it. We're talking Auschwitz, World War II and possibly crazy Nazi experiments. What I got was a woman that was treated like a celebrity in a concentration camp. During the first chapters, Alma asks for a violin and gets one, the nurses make sure she is exempt from experiments, she basically challenges everyone, demands better treatment and gets everything she asks for. There was absolutely no sense of struggle. I couldn't connect with Alma or cheer for her because she was doing just fine on her own, having all her wishes granted.

I was about to DNF it right there, but then I flipped to the back of the book, where there's a note on the history. This is actually based on the true story of Alma Rosé. I read through the notes and historical facts and the book really tries to stick to what really happened, so there's nothing I can say.

I really didn't get that far into the story and, if it were a work of pure fiction, I would DNF it and forget about it, but it isn't. I think what I'm going to do is put it down for now and pick it up again when I'm in the right head space for a slower book. And that's why I cannot give it a proper rating yet.

I absolutely adored this novel! It was so incredibly moving I had tears welling up and my heart was racing. I did not want to put it down.
The violinist of Auschwitz is based on the true story of Alma, who found herself in Birkenau, Auschwitz. Alma is a famous violinist who gets permission from the SS to create a women's orchestra. Along the way she meets both heroic and terrifying people.
My absolute favourite part of this novel was the heroism shown by so many of the characters, especially Alma, and the relationships they have with one another. Alma fights for what she believes is right, even if it puts her safety at risk. Some of her actions are so deeply moving and heroic that I had to put the book down to take a deep breath. Midwood managed to create such wonderful scenery I felt like I was actually there, I could practically hear the orchestra in the room with me. The characterisation was phenomenal, managing to mix good and bad within the same person, showing the complexity of the situation.
I loved the section on the true historic information that influenced the novel. It brought Alma and the other characters to life even more. Novels such as this one are so important, they highlight to the world how we can never let something like Auschwitz happen again.
I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in emotive true stories, historical novels or Auschwitz.
I want to send a big thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for sending me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am so grateful to have had the pleasure of reading and experiencing a novel like this. I will be buying a copy for my bookshelf that I can keep forever!

"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.

4.5 stars

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.

World War II-era books are some of my favorites, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this one.

I've read a few books about the musicians at Auschwitz, so I really enjoyed that angle. This is a fiction story, but it is grounded in factual events and the real-life musician Alma Rose. Midwood accurately depicts the horrors of the time, yet you can also see the light, love, beauty, and determination of so many prisoners shine through the darkness. At times, there was a bit of overdetailing and points that weren't key to the story. Overall, this is an emotional read. If you are a fan of historical fiction, I strongly recommend picking up this book.

Alma Rosé was a violinist from Vienna that was sent to Auschwitz. Whilst in the experimental block she asked for a violin and her name began to precede her. She formed an orchestra in camp to protect the lives of so many women whilst playing for some of the most haunting names in history. Small acts of defiance and improving conditions for the inmates she could help seemed to get Alma through. 🎻

I’ve read many books like this but this one is spectacular. Ellie Midwood tells a harrowing story so elegantly and yet it still has such an impact. I feel uneasy leaving a rating of a book in this genre but all I will say is that everyone should read this insightful book about a truly remarkable woman! 👏🏽

“I’m giving it all because giving is what makes a human human.” ✨

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the chance to experience this book. Then thank you to Ellie Midwood for creating a stunning piece of historical fiction. 📖

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-ARC of this book in return of an honest review from mine.

First of all, I am glad to read about Alma Ròse, one of the unsung hero during Nazi terror. She deserved her story to be told in anyways with respectable sense and this novel did the justice. I'm glad that such a heroic act happened during this terror times. My heart was touched, how they still be able to taste some happiness despite in the midst of hardship.

Second, I only took three days to finish and this means this book is great. No doubt. I can't stop reading to be honest. I want to know if Alma successfully trained her music girls. Guess what, she did. Young generations must be exposed on how horror was during the Nazi rules. They must know how inhumane it was.

Third, I love it. Period. The research has been done so well. I never thought of an orchestra can still happened in this kind of camp. Literally, music saved their soul in the end.

This was a tough book to read, and I had a difficult time getting through it. It was very bleak and heartbreaking for me to read at this time. It vividly depicts the horrors of Auschwitz-Birkenau, and I learned alot about what it was like there from the book. I did not realize there was a women's orchestra there. The story of violinist Alma Rose is inspiring and heartbreaking and very interesting because it is based off of a real person. This would be a good read for those interested in WWII or holocaust books. Although I had a hard time reading it, I was inspired to research the holocaust more, and I learned alot from this book.

The Violinist of Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood is based on the remarkable true story of Alma Rose, a Viennese violinist of great esteem who became a prisoner of the Nazi death camps in 1943. Appointed to conduct an orchestra by the head of the women's camp, Alma soon realizes that she is in a position to help her fellow prisoners, acquiring extra rations for them and, in some cases, helping them to be spared from imminent death. When she meets Miklos, a pianist, the two will play beautiful concerts together, all under the most dire and tragic circumstances imaginable.

This is a heart wrenching read that will leave you in awe of the exceptional capacity of human beings for love and generosity, even in the face of pure evil. Recommended.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.