So I've been reading The Violinist of Auschwitz and it's a beautiful read, based on a true story of Jewish Violinist Alma Rose, but it is incredibly heavy...

At some point I'd love to read the whole book, its beautifully written and a story that needed to be told, but with everything going on right now I need to put it down and enjoy some lighter reads.

With that said for those interested in reading it... I want to say from what I've read of it... wow. A poignant novel, leaving your gut wrenched for what the prisoners of Auschwitz went through and the devestation of the war.

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!

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.

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.

The Violinist of Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood is the story of Alma Rose. A very real person who left the safety of England to return to Europe to continue performing. She was a well-known violinist throughout all of Europe. Her father was Jewish. Alma herself was baptized Protestant and raised a Catholic. Naturally, she felt she would be safe as she was not a Jew. Even though her father was no longer allowed to perform... and she whisked him to safety in England... she did not believe the Nazis would have any reason to stop her from performing as she herself was not raised in the Jewish faith. Big mistake.

The story begins with Alma arriving at Auschwitz. She had made the mistake of wearing her high heels and had to stand the entire train ride standing, cramped together with many others in a cattle car. When she arrives, the female Nazi guard recognizes Alma Rose and immediately asks if she would mind playing a song for her. The Guard makes sure that someone runs to Kanada to get a violin. Alma finds the situation a bit humorous and believes that everything will be fine as she is very well-known. Alma is given her own bedroom within the camp Auschwitz Orchestra bunkhouse. Installed as the new, "Kapo". She is given the job of enforcing the rules within her building. Tasked with playing with other musicians when the trains arrive to unload the cattle cars of humans. Humans that are immediately told to go left or right. Literally... who will live for a while... and those who will be immediately gassed and cremated. The Orchestra also plays for the Nazis at dinners. And, a few times a week at the Auschwitz hospital to bring comfort to the patients.

This story is unlike any tale ever told about a prisoner of Auschwitz. Alma finds herself in a bet with the Angel of Death himself. That she will turn her Orchestra into one as good as the one that she herself belonged prior to being imprisoned. If she is unable to complete the task... All will be gassed and terminated. Their very lives depend upon them learning how to play as professionals. When most of them can barely read music.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this magnificent story of the very real struggle to survive in a world gone insane. Where folks believe they are safe because they're famous. Where folks believe that what is happening in the world around them.. is simply politics gone insane... but, everyone will come to their senses soon and all will become right in the world. That the country who has come under the control of those who would take away another person's livelihood and send them to camps because of their religion or political beliefs or sexual preferences is just a passing fad. That someone who is so famous... cannot believe that anything bad could happen to them. That bad things happen to everyone else.