A Stunning Book!

***** A Stunning Book

Filled with rich, touching, and horrifying details, Midwood, aided by her marvelous narrator, Alison Campbell, tells the remarkable tale of the well-known violinist Alma Rose. After being sent to Auschwitz, the musician is recognized by several of the officers, who decide to give her ‘special treatment.’ Far from grateful, Alma is almost defiant. But she soon learns how to play the Survival Game. She also turns protective. When she is commanded to direct a women’s orchestra, she becomes ultra demanding of the female performers, not out of perfectionism, but to make sure they are not kicked out––and end up exterminated.

When there is a typhus outbreak, the panic is palpable. Alma insists that the very few orchestra members who have developed the virus be placed in the infirmary and not the gas chamber. Along with descriptions of muddy water replacing real food, undernourished and frail inmates, day-by-day scenes depicting death, Alma learns an important lesson. If she wants to emotionally survive, she must throw away any semblance of feelings.

A particular scene, which rapidly brought me to tears, was about Alma insisting she and her orchestra mates should wear decent clothes for their performances. After all, she says, they must look decent if they are to play music in front of the captains and their wives. They certainly cannot appear, clothed in striped pajamas. So she is taken to a certain room where piles of women’s clothing have been kept. As her guide goes on about how beautiful this dress is with the tag still on it, these high heels over there are so fashionable, and it’s marvelous that this slip and that brassiere are so clean and charming, Alma can only think about one simple fact: all of the hundreds of items had belonged to women who were exterminated the moment they had arrived.

This is a stunning, powerful, and important book, which I truly feel should be read, not just because it is so well-written, but also because it depicts such an honest account of the horror of Nazism. BRAVO!

2 people found this helpful

Beautiful story but not for the faint-hearted

This is a spellbinding story made all the more remarkable by its firm roots in the history of both inmates and captors in Auschwitz. It recounts with sometimes graphic clarity some of the key events and characters in the grim confines of that camp. And at its centre is Alma Rosé, a woman whose defiant dignity and integrity affected all who knew her in that god-forsaken place. It is a truly amazing story, narrated with real skill and heart. But beware - it will take you on an emotional roller coaster, and you will not come out the other side quite the same.

2 people found this helpful

HEARTBREAKING YET HOPEFUL

The story was mesmerizing. The characters were intriguing and so different. The love story was heartbreaking. I loved it.

1 person found this helpful

EXCELLENT is putting it mildly..

Amazing book, couldn't put it down. I typically leave detailed reviews on books but with this one I feel there's really no words that can truly describe how much I enjoyed this book.. YOU HAVE 2 READ IT 4 YOURSELF.

1 person found this helpful

Based on facts

I loved how most all of the story details were true makes this story even better! Such a heartwarming tale of love and loss.

1 person found this helpful

A remarkable woman

in the mist of living in he'll on earth is an inspiring and beautiful story

1 person found this helpful

An unforgettable story!

This is one of those incredibly emotional and inspiring stories that will stay with you for a long time. Alma Rosé was a true heroine, fearless, resilient, and incredibly strong, who wasn't afraid to stand up to her oppressors in order to save the girls under her charge. When even looking at an SS man could earn one a ticket to the gas chamber, Alma stood up to the Angel of Death himself and such courage is truly worth admiration. The romance, even though fictionalized, provided a great insight into a work of the camp resistance through Miklós' eyes and also showed what a healthy relationship should look like - a partnership where both partners support each other no matter what in contrast with Alma's previous relationships where men abandoned her due to her Jewish heritage. Based on multiple testimonies of the Auschwitz orchestra survivors (make sure to listen to the note on history!), this story is one of self-sacrifice and resistance that everyone should read/listen to. Brilliant work is done by the narrator as well! Have your tissues ready though - you'll need them.

1 person found this helpful

Great Character

I really enjoyed all the historical accuracy and telling the story about a strong character in the face of such adversity. I disliked the romance story that was added. it felt contrived and weaked a strong character.