Amazing journey and life!! when I started this book, I thought it was historical fiction but right at the end when I read the author's note I realized how wonderful that Alma was real, that her story was real, and that everything she did for her comrades was real.

Alma is a true heroine, strong, bold and with an attitude that made everyone fall in love with her, even the most terrible Nazis were in awe of her and her talents, she was a woman that should be celebrated and recognized as a true WW2 heroine.

Alma was a very famous violinist, she was used to playing in magnificent operas and concerts, people respect her and always look up to her until the war was unleashed, and she found herself in Auschwitz with a number on her arm identifying her as a persona non grata

Alma was not ready to give up, she was ready to help as many as she could even if by that she needed to improvise a huge orchestra for the Nazis to enjoy. she will seek musicians, musical teachers, anything that will make this orchestra possible but at the same time that will keep them alive and working.

I admire Alma so much especially how she was always kind and didn't felt any anger whenever someone was trying to sabotage her plans, she walked around the camp with an authority that some didn't understand, Alma went to the worst places to find her musicians, some of them where not even professional or had any experience but they will do anything in or to survive the worst. she will step up and say things or speak up to high Kommanders and she will not even shake or sweat.

I cried so much with Alma, she really deserved so much more, I hated what she went through, the only person that brought so much joy into her life, was stolen away in an instant. so many stories like that during those days, it was heartbreaking. her light was out after such a terrible event nothing will ever be the same.

I really recommend this book so much, to learn more about true heroines, true women who really fought so hard to survive and help others to survive the evilness of that era. we often hear the stories of WW2 but usually speak about the soldiers and the atrocities the Nazis did but we are missing so many women who were there fighting and helping others, they deserve the recognition and the validation too.

Alma Rose what a fantastic heroine you were and you ARE!!

The violinist of Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood is a historical fiction book that is based upon a true story. A book set during the Holocaust that straight away throws you into a very powerful and dark time.
It is about an Austrian woman called Alma Rose. I have never heard of her until this time, but with a story that hits so hard it will be a woman I won't forget easily now. Alma was a woman, a violinist, who got caught up in the living hell that was Auschwitz. While there she was recognised as the famous violinist that she was by the head of the womens camp.She was appointed as the conductor for the orchestra that played as the inmates marched to work, at first she refused but then she realised by doing this she could get better treatment amd extra rations for herself and the other members in the orchestra.Alma creates an orchestra that performs for the SS Officers. The orchestra becomes so large as she makes sure as many girls are able to be saved by playing in it. She meets Miklos a very talented piano player and composer who was celbrated in Europe before the war too. Their shared love of music and everything connected to it helps them to fall in love surrounded by the despair and death of the camp. This one simple thong helps to give Alma the strength to get through every day.
A story that I found so difficuly in parts. Auschwitz was a death camp, with Mengele firmly installed doing his 'experiments'. I read this story and the starkness of the conditions, the horror the camp inmates survived (or didn't) on a daily basis was like a punch in the face. I have previously read Holocaust books and they have all affected me to varying degrees but this book, with it's hard hitting details and brilliantly researched story hit the hardest.
Ellie Midwood actually based this book on the testaments from a few survivors from the camps and mant actually said if it wasn't for Alma, they would never have survived. How do you effectively portray that in a book? Well, this author has managed it and done a excelent job in showing us the harshness of the reality of specifically Auschwitz. A very real, bleak but upliftimg and very emotional account of Alma's time there. My words do not do this story justice, my advice...read the book!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the copy of the book for my review today.

Everyone should read this book. It is beautiful and painful and necessary. I had never heard of Alma Rosé before reading this novel and I'm grateful to know her story.

Alma Rosé is a famous violinist, playing across Europe, until she is arrested and taken to Auschwitz. Alma's life of privilege, glamour, and music is gone in a second. When she manages to get her hands on a violin, her playing changes everything. The head of the woman's camp puts her in charge of the women's orchestra and, suddenly, Alma holds others' lives in her hands. She does all she can to keep the women in the orchestra alive, to place other women in the orchestra so they are under her protection, and does all she can to charm the SS camp administration in order to help her orchestra despite her deep hatred of them. When Alma meets Miklos, a piano virtuoso, she finds something more in the death camp, something she had not thought was possible in a place of death.

Based on the true story of the violinist Alma Rosé, who did run the women's orchestra and save their lives on multiple occasions, this novel is powerful. There are horrific moments that are incredibly difficult to read but there are also sweet moments and countless moments that prove the power of the human spirit. To know that these moments are based on reality only increases their power both on the painful side and the hopeful side.

The book includes information on where Ellie Midwood gathered information for her narrative and how most major events in the book are based on factual accounts from survivors. There are also a few fictional characters who work their way into Alma's narrative with creative license. There is only so much that can be known about Alma's life and so it is expected that such a story would include some pure fiction.

Midwood's writing is excellent. She has crafted and plotted this story brilliantly. Her writing style is clear and truthful in a way that honors the truths of the story she is telling. I immediately found myself forgetting that I was reading a book and feeling like someone was telling me a story because her prose is so clear and succinct that the words fall away.

I cannot praise this book enough. It was certainly difficult to read but reading this book in order to honor the real people who lived these lives, to keep their stories and their history alive, is well worth the challenge of reading about the horrors they had to witness each day they were in Auschwitz.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Bookouture, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A brief synopsis:

Based on the true story of famous Austrian violinist Alma Rose, who was captured by the Nazis in 1942 while trying to flee to Switzerland and sent to Auschwitz in 1943. Upon arrival in Auschwitz, she was chosen to lead the Auschwitz women's orchestra. Once she realizes that she can help the other girls with her position, she dutifully accepts the responsibility.

What I enjoyed:

It was really interesting to me to learn about what was deemed the "elite" in Auschwitz. I enjoy WWII novels and have never read one from this perspective. Being in the orchestra was seemingly a protection from the gas chambers, beatings, shootings. They were the chosen ones of the SS guards, the favorites. They were worthy to stay alive because they could play the music that entertained the guards. Before reading this, I honestly didn't know the orchestras existed or there were camp "elite." It was kind of bizzare to hear about. I enjoyed learning about something I didn't know so now I can do my own research to find out what was accurate and dig a little deeper into it.


Something else I thought the author did well was, from what little I know, she did her best to keep Alma true to Alma. I personally felt that Alma wasn't a likable character. But she wasn't just a character, she was a real person. And from the little amount that I've read about her, it seems she was a little harsh and pretentious at times, just like she comes across in the book. There was some inaccurate media circulated about her after the war was over and I appreciated that Midwood did the research to stay as true to Alma as possible.

What I didn't enjoy:

There were two major things that really turned me off to this novel and are what made me give it three stars. First, I felt that the portrayal of the Nazis was almost soft. I know there were SS that were not evil, but it seems that Alma met every single one. At times, it was almost sympathetic or understanding to some of them. I just really felt like it was an unfair and privileged portrayal of them. And at the times when she was angry or upset about something they did, the emotion just wasn't there. Infamous Dr. Mengele was prominent in the novel, and I never once felt fear or anger towards him. He was kind to Alma. I have no idea how much of this is true, and I don't think it's possible for us to know. But it just felt wrong to portray so many of the Nazis in a soft, almost favorable light.

The second and worst problem for me was the absolute pointless inclusion of a love interest. A completely fictionalized love story incorporated into it. It felt almost disrespectful to me. This woman is in a concentration camp fighting for her life and the lives of the girls in her orchestra. Is that not enough of a story? Is a story only a story if there's a love interest? It felt gross and wrong. It wasn't her real story. Not even close. But the second half of the novel suddenly turned into will their love be a strong enough force to save them? Yikes. Just yikes. It was extremely disappointing and honestly turned me off to reading any more of this author's books.

Would I recommend?

Honestly, no. If you want to read a WWII book, I definitely have some recommendations that are better, just ask. If you want to learn more about Alma Rose, she's an important part of history and I recommend doing so, but do your own research.

Rating edit: 3.5 stars

The Violinist of Auschwitz
by Ellie Midwood is not a pleasant or entertaining read. Obviously it's a war story, based in a concentration camp; so it's heartbreaking and shocking, but certainly a good read.

It's about loss and suffering. And yet it's hopeful. Because it's also about music and love and courage and determination.

"Music is eternal and so are the memories."

I really like Alma. Her talent, her passion for music, her courage and fearlessness. And I really liked Miklos. He's funny yet intense, and passionate. The Alma and Miklos love story is a very significant part of this story but it's a small part, as it's mainly about a concentration camp victims, their suffering and survival and music. However, I really liked this love story. Especially the way Miklos treat Alma: his small yet beautiful letters. The kind of things he says to her.

The writing is beautiful! Lyrical at some places.

"She didn’t just hear it; she felt the music inside of her. It spoke to her in a way that she couldn’t explain even to herself. Without once opening her eyes, without exchanging a single word with the pianist, she learned his entire life story through his music— his work and successes, the women he loved and lost, the life he celebrated and which was stolen from him in such a bastardly manner. He somehow managed to express it all— a broken man to a broken woman— and Alma understood him without understanding his language."

There are so many characters, naturally, but they all have their own importance.

Overall, a good, poignant read. The ending made me emotional, however I felt the epilogue was unnecessary. There are certain things in the epilogue that needed to be told, yes, but I felt it could have been told in the last chapter. Just my views. Must read if you like Historical/war fiction. It's based on a true story though.

Ellie Midwood’s The Violinist of Auschwitz is so powerful and so meaningful and has quickly become my top read of 2020.

Midwood’s beautiful and heartbreaking writing flows effortlessly and really captures a time in history that was filled with atrocities that are hard to imagine. Yet, prisoners of Auschwitz-Birkenau faced suffering and cruelty beyond measure.

This is a true story about Alma Rose, a gifted violinist from Vienna. She finds herself held prisoner in Auschwitz-Birkenau and is made the head of the orchestra in the women’s camp forced to perform for prisoners and members of the SS. Alma is a fighter and vows to ensure the safety of her girls in the orchestra, often standing up for those in need to prevent needless deaths and atrocities. Alma’s story is heartbreaking and emotional, but also shows her strength when faced with the horrifying injustice, needless killings, and horrendous conditions many Jews faced during WWII in concentration camps.

Midwood shows through her writing how Alma, with her violin, is a symbol of hope and how something as beautiful as music and suffering can coexist at the same time. I could see this through many passages in this story how music brought the prisoners together and gave them hope even if it was momentarily. Midwood has really done her research and it shows time and time again page by heartbreaking page. I have read a lot of WWII books and while I loved many of them, The Violinist of Auschwitz really made me stop and think about our history and the Holocaust and how important it is to hear the stories from survivors of one of the most devastating times in our lifetime. I don’t think anything in our history can ever compare to what Holocaust survivors went through. More and more survivors are dying each year and an article I recently read estimates that by the year 2030 only 50,000 survivors may still be alive. It hits you right in the gut just thinking about it.

In no way can I ever give this story the justice it so deserves. This is definitely a book meant for your keeper shelves.

I’ve always believed that music brings people together. I don’t care what race you are, everyone loves music.

In The Violinist of Auschwitz this is exactly what happens. Deaths are happening everywhere. When Alma’s block elder made Alma the head of the orchestra, she saved Almas life which led to many others lives being saved as well.

I don’t know how Alma was able to hold it together at times. When women were being drug off to the gas chamber, Alma would play her violin and calm the women down.

This is a wonderful story of a woman who saved many lives just by caring for others. Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

A book with Auschwitz in the title is never going to be an easy read and once again, this was true. The story focusing around the real life Alma Rosé, a famous violinist who had the chance to escape the Nazis by going to England but instead stayed where she was and ended up in Auschwitz. Her musical talent got her noticed inside the camp and she is set the task of setting up an orchestra which helped provide some joy in the blackest of times. Friendship, love and music was beautifully woven in between the gruesome descriptions we have come to know so well about what the prisoners had to endure in the concentration camps.

I found the story a little hard to get into a first and rather slow paced however, it didn't take too long to get drawn into Alma's story and the life she had to endure in Auschwitz.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review,

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review

This book is a true horror story about survival at Auschwitz concentration camp. Alma Rose is a Jew and a famous violinist who is deported to Auschwitz . Alma finds herself amongst other musicians in the camp and because she is a well known famous musician in Germany she is encouraged to play for the SS who run the camp . Alma is given many privileges which enables her to protect her fellow musicians who she has organized in to a band. Alma also falls in love with a pianist this love is a forbidden love amongst the absolute horror that is Auschwitz.

This book is a descriptive drama with ever present dangers of the selections, the gas chamber’s ,the crematoriums, starvation and disease. The book also describes the brutality of the SS guards who sees their prisoners as less than human and treat them as such. These guards take pleasure in setting the dogs on their prisoners at will and shooting them for minor transgressions .
This book will make you cry that such horrors could happen in our life time and the author has captured the true essence of this terrible place. 5 stars

** I received an advanced copy of this novel from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. **

4.5 stars. It was such a haunting, beautiful tale of one woman’s quest to survive in one of the most horrific times in recent times - a concentration camp during WWII in Germany. Based on true events, this story is both sad and lovely time. I didn’t do any research on the validity of the story, and probably will, but it was so well done you feel so personally attached to each character.

If you have read the tattooist of auschwitz then you have a clear idea of the trauma, and pain, people went through in there. This book will shred your hearts into pieces and make you weep. The rawness of the pain and the hardship will gnaw at your hurt. Definitely recommend this for WW2 fiction lovers.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I’ve never heard of Alma Rose, but I’m a violinist myself and like historical fiction, so this sounded interesting to me. And it was. Alma’s story was different than what I was expecting, reading how she was able to use her position as the orchestra conductor to do good for the members of the orchestra, even if it meant doing something’s shed rather not have to do.

I received a free advance reader's copy and am leaving this review voluntarily

The Violinist of Auschwitz is based on a true story, that of Alma Rose, a Jewish violinist who was imprisoned at the Auschwitz facility during the Holocaust. She was one of the most esteemed musicians of her time and was appointed as the conductor for the women's camp orchestra. At first, she refused to play for the Nazis stationed there. However, she soon realized that her new position gave her powers to save at least a few women from the gas chambers. She promises to create an orchestra capable of playing on any European stage. While working within the camp, she meets a pianist who's just as good, maybe even better, than her as a violinist. They fall in love and, surrounded by despair and heartbreak, work on enjoying their time together until they are freed from Auschwitz...

This story was hauntingly beautiful even with the descriptions of abuse the inmates had to go through. After reading this story, I read the author's note on the history of this book and was amazed by how much was really true.

Alma was courageous and I admired her determination to save the lives of at least a fraction of the women in the prison. I did some research on her after and learnt that she referred to the girls in the orchestra as her babies and I was deeply touched by the ability of humans to be in the direst of straits and still be looking for ways to help others. However, many incidents during this book reminded me that there are some truly evil people in this world and that World War 2 is a stain that will never be erased from our history.

This story highlighted the tragedy that was World War 2 and it reminded me of the many injustices Jews faced. It was also a great introduction the Ellie Midwood's work. I would definitely be trying more of her work.

Due to some horrific incidents within this book, it should be read by adults. There was also some mention of sexual activity.

As I sat down to start reading The Violinist of Auschwitz, I don’t think I anticipated the sort of book I was getting into. I know for sure that I didn’t anticipate staying up until past midnight reading because I had to finish it right then. I also didn’t anticipate the emotional toll this book was going to have on me.

This a beautifully written story about Alma Rosé, a musician who is brought to the concentration camp of Auschwitz during WWII. Her journey starts out in the experimental medical ward, but then she is moved to another area after her talent is discovered. From there she trains other women also with some musical talent, and together they form an orchestra meant to entertain the SS officers.

Most of the fiction WWII books I’ve read are loosely based on fact. However, one thing to point out is the end of the book, the author’s note. She explains how every character is based on someone from the actual camp. The research she did was extensive and thorough, and this also comes out in her writing. The details are uncanny, and at times petrifying. The realism that jumps off the pages puts you at the camp with Alma and experiencing the ‘snow’ coming from the chimneys, only to discover it’s really ash.

I’ve read a lot of WWII fiction books. However, this one was different. The Violinist of Auschwitz is a book that will stay with me for a long time. It stamped memories on my heart with the tears I cried for Alma and her girls. It is a fantastic book and one that I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of “The Violinist of Auschwitz” in exchange for an honest review.

Ellie Midwood has told the true story of Alma Rosé - Viennese Violinist Virtuoso so beautifully and respectfully. Alma was arrested in 1942 and taken to the Drancy Transit Camp in France. She was transferred to Auschwitz-Birkenau in July 1943 where she was placed in Block 10 - the Experimental Block.

The story takes place between July 1943 and January 1945 - mainly told through Alma’s “voice”.

The Women’s Orchestra were privileged prisoners who wore civilian clothes, were allowed to keep their hair intact, well fed and spared abuse.

Alma asked for a violin and after playing beautifully Birkenau Music Block 12 was created. Alma requested and received new clothes, better food, access to daily showers and having their clothes cleaned once a week. She demanded and received protection for the orchestra from selections.

Alma grew the orchestra to 40 members, gained a piano, a wood stove to warm the cabin and allow her girls to cook food from the parcels the girls received from home or the Red Cross.

Alma fell in love with piano player Miklós Steinberg who wrote a beautiful piece for her.

The book finishes with testimonies from the young women who Alma did everything in her power to protect.

Based on the true story of Alma Rosé, an esteemed violinist whose performances left her audiences spellbound. But when the Nazis descended on Europe, none of that could save her. While imprisoned in Auschwitz, she was appointed as the conductor of the orchestra performing for both prisoners as well as some of the highest-ranking Nazis. Alma soon realizes the power the position offered and how many lives she could try to save with it.

This is a book that everyone should read. Ellie Midwood did such a fantastic job accurately portraying Alma to create this devastating yet beautiful story of hope and resilience. You can tell Midwood really put in a considerable amount of time writing her story through the various resources she used, and I loved her letter provided at the end, so make sure to read that part too. It’s a book I will continuously recommend to anyone interested in learning more about the Holocaust and the real-life accounts from it. I never had heard about Alma Rosé before this, but now it is a name I will never forget. Published just yesterday (11/18) so be sure to add this one to your list!

Thank you so much to @bookouture and @netgalley for this unforgettable eARC!

Historical Fiction has become one of my favorite genres over the last five years. Sometimes they are really hard to read because of the context of the book and it’s story lines, but I find they are important. They give us a glimpse into a world we didn’t get to, or have to, experience. Some of my favorite historical fiction novels are about Hitler’s time and how people survived that time when being put in such terrible situations. Having read books like The Tattooist of Auschwitz and having The Librarian of Auschwitz on my To Read list on Goodreads, I saw The Violinist of Auschwitz and just knew I had to read it. Ellie Midwood did not disappoint.

This book was in no way happy. It follows the story of Alma Rose, a real person in the real world whose story was shared after Hitler’s reign was ended. She was a world famous violinist who was also Jewish and was captured and put in the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp. This place was terrible. I have done much research on Auschwitz and the terrible things that happened there, but the way Midwood wrote it really gave a visual to a living situation that many had to deal with.

While the book deals with a very sad time in history, Midwood wrote about Alma’s story, which she had researched based on biographies, and stories from her fellow Music Block girls. Alma originally refused to play her violin for the Nazi’s, but quickly found that the position came with perks that she could use to her advantage to save herself and many of her orchestra friends. I found it incredibly interesting the way people were treated. German’s really loved their music then and she was treated very unlike most other Jews. Midwood wrote a story that hooks you and gets you emotionally attached to these characters.

When Alma was scared, I was scared. When Alma was joyous, I was joyous. And throughout the entire book, when Alma was disgusted, I was disgusted. I loved that a story could hook me so deeply that I felt I was watching everything play out from above. While it’s a sad story, we got glimpses of friendship, romance, and the little moments that most people take for granted, but those stuck in this camp thought were the best moments.

The Violinist of Auschwitz is definitely not for the faint of heart. There are graphic and detailed descriptions of things that happen. I felt like I could smell the crematorium ashes falling around me as I read with how well the descriptions were written. It really is a book that gives you horrific, but real visuals.

If you love Historical Fiction and love hearing stories of people drawing hope out of the darkest of places, then The Violinist of Auschwitz is definitely for you. I wish I had known Alma Rose. She sounds like one person everyone would want on their side in the worst situations. She knew how to hold her own and I feel privileged to have glimpsed her story through this book.

I received this book "The Violinist of Auschwitz" from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own. wow! Based on the true story of Alma Rosé this book was amazing. I like to read historical books in this time era. I have to admit parts of this book are hard to read. You really felt like you were there with Alma. This is an emotional and heartbreaking story of her life in the camp. Get the tissues ready. I didn't expect to need them but you cannot stop yourself from feeling for her and the others in the camp. Also liked the end notes. Great Book!

What a beautifully tragic tale. Anything set in World War Two always tugs at my heart strings, it's such a stain on our history as a human race.

Alma is a prominent Viennan violinist, arrested and brought to Auschwitz. It turns out to be the very thing that saves her from the true horrors within the concentration camp. It is here that she ends up as an inmate with "privileges", extra rations, proper clothing, a bed and showers. She quickly learns that her prominent status as a musician gives her a certain amount of pull with the SS high command. Alma uses this influence to save a large group of women, forming an orchestra within the camp, able to perform for the SS. Based around a true story, Alma is another prime example of the true heroes of World War Two. With her influence, she manages to save countless people from the gas chambers, and they come away from the camps with their lives and life-long respect for Alma Rose.

Definitely 5 stars.

Wow oh wow! I am going to have a serious book hangover from this amazing, heart breaking, semi fictional story of love, hope, loss, beauty and culture…

The Violinist of Auschwitz tells the story of a the most remarkable lady, Frau Alma Rose. She was a real person, and a violinist at the Auschwitz Birkenhau concentration camp during WW2.

The story is a fusion of the writer’s extensive research into this fascinating woman’s real experiences of the camps, and the beautiful and varied writing skills of the writer that brings this journey, and these characters to life, in order to help you empathise with them.

I’m not sure if it’s because at the same time as reading this book, I have studying the Holocaust with students in my year 8 class, but this book really touched me on a really deep level, that is quite difficult to explain.

I am left with a complete admiration for a woman who is so talented, brave, selfless and loving, and a writer who has shown undeniable dedication and skill in bringing this incredible story to life through her words.

Thank you for sharing this beautiful book and allowing me to be part of the blog tour. It is one I will remember for a really long time.