This book was terrible sad just like I expected it to be. Part of what made it so was that this is based on a true story and our main character was a real woman who actually went through those terrible things. This story is all about a famous violinist named Alma Rose. She was sentenced to Auschwitz when Germany began its attacks however this story is all about how she played her instrument in the face of pure evil and was able to save herself
and many other from the burning fires that awaited them. While I have read a lot about WWII I have never heard about Alma Rose so this book was very compelling. It told me a lot of things that I never knew happened and let me broaden my knowledge on this terrible event that happened in the world. I loved how this book shows Alma's bravery and strength both which were hard to come by I'm sure in her situation. This was a terribly sad read however it showed lots of courage and showed that even at its darkest there is still light in the world if you choose to look for it. I'm very glad that I got the chance to read this book.

“Love would always triumph over hatred; that music was stronger than death itself.”

The Violinist of Auschwitz is based on the true story of the famous violinist Alma Rose. She was caught with a fake passport and sent to Auschwitz. Locked up in the experimental block, where she demanded a violin, and was tasked to become the conductor of the women's orchestra. 

Before reading this book I had not heard of Alma Rose but I was so intrigued to learn all about her. Ellie Midwood told this sad, tragic and emotional story through Alma’s eyes and I was fully immersed into the life of all the inmates. I just fell in love with Alma, her confidence and bravery was astounding. Even during her worst times she still had the ability to lift others up and keep them going. 

I feel like this book took me a while longer to read than normal because I had to keep stopping and put the book down as the stories were so harrowing and heartbreaking even more so than the other Auschwitz books I’ve read. You can tell that Midwood carried out extensive research when writing this book which I think is so important when writing about this time in history. 

If you are a fan of other Auschwitz novels, I highly recommend picking this one up too! 

Thank you so much NetGalley, Ellie Midwood and Bookouture for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is out 18th Nov!

Rating: 4.5 stars
Format: ARC - EBook

Up until the day I came upon “The Violinist of Auschwitz” I did not know who Alma Rose was. 
Music is the one thing that kept her going. Her saving grace, and her “guiding light” during arduous times. She made friends, found comfort and love through her music at a time and place where hope seemed to falter. She even gained the respect due from the Nazis.

There were so many emotions swirling as I read about Alma Maria Rose, an Austrian-Jewish violinist and conductor. Her time in Auschwitz-Birkeneau, from 1943 until her death in 1944. As I read through I had to keep reminding myself that her story was true to life, because I could not fathom the cruelty, sadistic and heartless encounters she experienced, gone through and endured in the Nazi concentration camp. So much angst, anger, heartache came over me. 

The Violinist of Auschwitz was a beautiful story of a resilient soul, who would not let tragedy and  circumstances dims her spirit and take the best of her.

Thank you to Bookouture, Ellie Midwood and NetGalley for providing me with the arc of The Violinist of Auschwitz in exchange for an honest review.

I have read some really great books based at Auschwitz and have an interest in the Holocaust. I have to say this is one of the best books I've read in this subject matter. 

Alma, the main protagonist, comes across as a warm and friendly person. She coped amazingly during such an awful period of our history, helping others to survive in the process. 

The author has written a great story, merging both fact and fiction. The characters were really brought to life; not just Alma but also Dr Death himself, Dr Josef Mengele. 

A must read book I couldn't put down. 

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher Bookouture for allowing me to read and review this book.

Remember her name. Remember her story. Alma Rosé.

This book is breathtakingly inspiring. I went into it thinking I knew what to expect, and I had no clue what this book was going to deliver. Add it to your list NOW!

What a journey I went on reading the story of Alma. 
Alma was a brave, courageous woman that fought for the better and saw only the positive things people could contribute. She was a strong person whose eventual lack of want took her to her to death. 
Amazing book that I thoroughly recommend to anyone who likes reading the insights into WW2. The sheer horrific ness that went with Aushwitz is both horrific and eye opening in the same. 
An emotional read that will stay within my heart fit many years. 
Praise to the author for their ability to create such a fine read

For all eternity, no matter how short it will be.
For all eternity, and long after that, too.

The  Violinist of Auschwitz is based on true events.  It is a very emotionally charged historical WWII story.  A beautiful, poignant, touching and heart-rending story I recommend you read.
Alma Rose was a famous violinist in the Vienna Orchestra in Austria but because she was a Jew, is sent to Auschwitz.  This story follows Alma as she adapts to survive against the insurmountable odds against her.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and author, Ellie Midwood, for this opportunity to read the arc of The Violinist of Auschwitz.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Violinist of Auschwitz is a beautifully tragic tale of a fearless woman’s trials during the Holocaust. A true tale of heroism and strength. 

Ellie Midwood writes with the perfect balance of eloquence and rawness. 

This tear jerker is a tough but very necessary read. I wouldn’t be surprised if it is one of this years best sellers.

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.

Oh man. What an emotional rollercoaster! Sobbed my wee heart out for the latter part of this. A beautiful story of dreadful proportions. We all are aware of how harrowing Auschwitz was so you know off the bat this is going to be a weepy. Very well told with believable characters. Another one that will stay with me. Thank you for the ARC I might not have found this beauty otherwise. 
Beautiful.

I’ll be very surprised if The Violinist of Auschwitz  isn’t a bestseller..  it seems that WWII books have inundated  the market. You would expect that you’ve heard all the stories or very similar ones. The fact that new stories are still beIng exposed speaks to the magnitude of the tragic history of The Holocaust.     This story is of a very strong, driven, musical genius who takes on the challenge of teaching an orchestra of mediocre musicians to perform at a high level for the SS Christmas celebration. Alma Rose is the name to never forget - she is a true heroine.  She is brave but moral. I truly hope everyone will read this excellent and historical accurate book. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of a book I’ll never forget. Watch for it - due out November 18th.

I picked up this book this morning thinking I would read for half an hour before I dealt with life for the day. Next thing I know, Its seven hours later, I’ve got tears streaming down my face, the book is finished and I am wondering how I have gone thirty years without knowing who the incredible Alma Rose was and the astonishing impact she left on the world.

I feel like it sounds quite odd to say that WW2 is one of my favourite subjects to read about. I grew up loving history. Not the textbooks from which we were mostly taught at school, those names of political figures and events little more than a blur in my mind. But the history of living. Those raw, human stories that deserve to be remembered. Stories of ordinary people living through the most unfathomable trials. Our modern day minds not able to begin to comprehend.

I loved this book, but it was also one of the most uncomfortable reading experiences I have had in a long time. Really, I didn’t want to watch as these unthinkable events occured. There was still time to put the book down and convince myself that it was just a story. But I had to make myself watch, as Alma made herself watch.

It never fails to shock and horrify me that this cruelty truly did occur. Most of the barbaric events in this book happened in one way or another. The date printed at the top of every chapter was a jarring reminder that these are not stories of ancient times, that shock us with their brutality yet comfort us by occuring in long gone years. Too long ago to be real. It has been only seventy five years since humanity looked like it did in this book. Most of us have family members older.

The stories of Auschwitz are so moving and inspiring. The tale of Alma Rose is one that will stay with me, that I will remember in times of distress and despair. I will be gateful in the knowledge that I will never experience a fraction of the pain these incredible people endured.


The author does an incredible job of transporting you to the nightmarish camp. You can hear the last desperate pleas of the families herded in to the chambers, knowing the fate that awaits them and their children. You can feel the devastating ashes on your skin, knowing you will never truly be clean again. You can choke on the stench billiowing from the smoke from the chimneys, drowning your lungs.

But, you can also feel the profound gratitude when a violin defiantly plays the forbidden anthem of your nation as you are lead to your death. You can feel the determination to play this instrument well because your life actually depends on it, your fingers bleeding and your eyes streaming with tears. You can laugh in companionship at death and all the unspeakable horrors around you, because you have earned that right.


Alma Rose was a hero and I am truly sorry that this was my first encounter with her. Immediately after finishing the book I searched for more information on her and was suprised at how accurate this story is. Alma truly saved many lives in her time in the camps. Putting the needs of those girls lucky enough to be in her orchestra before hers. Appeasing the men that she loathed so that those in her charge would survive and live to see a new world.

Alma was such an endearing character. Defiant yet dignified, strict yet selfless. Her nerves of steel never faltering even when faced with the most henious of horrors. Her exhaustion from the burden of having so many lives in her hands truly heartbreaking.

I enjoyed the fictional aspects of the story and the authors research, attention to detail and devotion to telling such an important story were amazing.

A very emotional read.  This book is based on real people and real events, making it all the more engaging.  Alma Rose is the famous violinist who shows such bravery and helps others to survive the atrocious conditions of the concentration camp.

You’ve read the history books you know the facts of World War 2 now The Violinist of Auschwitz will give a unique glimpse into the personal journey and true story of Alma Rosé. Based on Almas real life Ellie Midwood has done extensive research and written a beautiful story to share Almas life and accomplishments. 
From the first chapter I was invested in Alma and her story, I wanted to know just how she got to this point and where her story would go. This is the first time I’ve read an account of a WW2 story that includes music and the way Alma used her talent in the camp to help those around her is simply astonishing. The addition of music to their harrowing tale adds even more emotion for the reader. 
Through music the women can feel some hope and when they play or hear it, they are transported to a time when they were free, with their families and felt warmth and joy. Their fearless leader Alma is quite the character and uses her talent to help her fellow prisoners in a way that only she can. At first she refuses to play for the SS but then quickly realizes that she will need be to be strategic and use anything she can to help herself and those around her survive. Alma plays so these women can have a tiny bit more food, some clothing, a piece of soap, anything to help them survive another day. 
I thought Alma was portrayed very well and her outlook of the officers was a refreshing one, often playing for them out of spite and constantly walking the line with her outward hate and disrespect for them. Alma is unlike any other prisoner in camp Auschwitz, creating something out of absolutely nothing. Because of this she is able to gain a little respect from the officers and conducts herself with grace and intelligence.  
I especially liked that Ellie Midwood has included a note of history at the end of the book so we can see exactly where she draws all of her inspiration from the story, I was amazed to learn that nearly every event in this story is pulled from a real life fact, often found in an account from those who were at camp Auschwitz. Ellie Midwood worked hard to represent Alma and the others truthfully and to tell their story and she’s done a fantastic job.  
A story full of pain, suffering, music, talent and hope this book will take your heart on a ride bringing you to tears, making you smile and cheer on the amazing women that you’ll find within this book.

It is always very hard to read about the horrors of Auschwitz. I never heard or have read that they had musicians there. Alma was so talented and such a strong female figure. Thank you to Ellie Midwood for bringing Alma's story to light so we can all learn about her. . . although her ending was so tragic and heartbreaking.

What a beautifully written book.  The Violinist of Auschwitz is heartbreaking, inspiring, touching and every other feel you can think of.  Loved this book from the first page until the last.  Have read so many books about Auschwitz and this one might be my favorite.  
Thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

The Violinist of Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood was a beautifully written story based on true facts.  Ms Midwood did a wonderful job of weaving a story around the facts she found during research of Alma Rose.  This story was set in an incredibly disturbing time in history, yet I felt as if I knew the characters first hand.  Ms Midwood was able to seamlessly pull you back from the dark atrocities to a heartwarming part of the story.  If you are interested in WW ll history, consider reading this book.  It is raw at times, but also contains love, respect, and determination.  Not an easy read, but an excellent read!

Beautiful music sets a tortured soul free and as the story goes, the young musician saved many young women who would have otherwise died under the evil hands of Dr. Mengale. Such cruelty leaves us feeling drained at the end but the author wanted the story told.

This was a very good read. Based off of the real Alma Rose, this book gave great insight to the musicians at Auschwitz. Highly recommend!

Beautifully written story of Alma Rose, a famous Hungarian violinist, who is sent to Auschwitz. She is brave and tries to help others by playing during her time at Aushwitz. She meets another famous musician, Miklos Steinberg, a famous pianist. They make beautiful music together. A hauntingly, brave, beautiful story of bravery. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.