The Violin Maker's Daughter: Absolutely heartbreaking World War 2 historical fiction Paperback – July 17, 2019

“The Violin Maker’s Daughter” is a beautiful story of resistance and survival. It drew me in from the very first page. The setting of Alsace and the violin maker’s shop, in particular, was atmospheric and so vivid, I felt instantly immersed into a family’s world on the verge of collapse. Having lived virtually undetected among the Aryanized population, the Meyers could never fathom that one day they would have to make one of the most difficult decisions a family can make - to separate so that at least some of them have a chance for survival.I couldn’t help but feel for Sarah - a young girl who has to grow up much too soon in a war-ravaged world. Ralf Sommer, a German deserter, also won me over right away: not everyone would risk not only their freedom but life itself in order to do the right thing, but for Ralf, his good conscience is above all and just for that he earned my utmost respect. Despite Sarah being a central protagonist, Ralf was a wonderfully complex character, and I thoroughly enjoyed following the evolution of their relationship.If you enjoy well-researched stories of the French Resistance, you definitely need to read this book. It’s a story of brave men and women who sacrificed everything they had in the name of freedom, and such stories of ultimate self-sacrifice and heroism must never be forgotten. Highly recommended to all fans of the genre!

A half-Jewish family in Alsace-Lorraine hides in plain sight during WW2, but is given up to the Nazis and must flee. They plan to escape in waves, and oldest daughter Sarah goes first. Character point of views in early scenes are presented in a scattered, omniscient style, which seems effective in highlighting the chaos surrounding the family’s plight. Then the story focuses on Sarah, and her transition from sheltered teenager to survivor, and ultimately a belligerent. Sarah’s journey is aided by Nazi deserter Ralf. Sarah and Ralf encounter numerous obstacles on their journey, though a number of potential high-tension situations seem under-developed. Much more time is spent of Sarah’s internal narrative as she sorts out her feelings for Ralf, sadness and speculation on her family’s fate, fear, anger at the Nazis, and even a sense of adventure. Her relationship with Ralf centers the book, though her feelings swing from an extended period of hatred of him as a representative of the Nazis to worshipful love, in what feels like a quick transition. Many recent WW2-based novels focus on the plight, and flight, of the persecuted (e.g. The German Girl, The Things We Cannot Say, Fugitive Colors, The Orphan’s Tale, The Tattooist of Auschwitz). For me, this one is enjoyable, but doesn’t capture dramatic tension of life and death moments as well as some of the others.

I'm glad the central character is a product of the author's imagination- then again there were plenty who needed were given refuge who were of this type and bought death with them through Total disregard of those helping giving aid to them at all costnto self and familyThe central character throughout is a Foolishly, Dangerously, Completely Totally Self Centered Ego Maniac of the "my way or no way no matter the risk", to the bone marrow female.The author in her writing seems to use this person's emotions, "fixation of me myself and I only count acts" as an excuse to explain for all A.L.L. of this Totally self centered female's actions, misjudgements that were contrary, against everything every warning those who have dhoqed her love care had continously advised her not to do. Thise who had and were yet protecting her, yet when it didn't make her "happy" " Feel" Good she continously disregard knowing tbe price they would pat.Should one look up Foolish Selfish 2 the bone marrow, and Dangerously Stuck on Stupid you would see her photo.Tho it is seldom written of such self centered careless for others even those caring for them under dire extreme unction conditions is why many hearing beholding such blatant disregard refused to give aid to many during this bleak time of horror upon horrors dutong wwii, having seen, heard of tragedy these such arrogant people's disregard for others to do as they "felt" they just had to resulting in entire families being brutally slowly slaughter often become they just had to smoke that cigarette or told whatever you do do not go to the let alone move the curtain as it can be seen by all in the area.Yet, they just Had to smoke that cigarette just had to look out of the window.Quite often there are more sides tp a story told than the story teller has told.I'm amazed how the writer seemingly, perhaps I'm wrong, yet seeming always justifying the character acts such writing just how sad miserable lonely this female was seeminglt to justify her blatant acts of selfishness disobedience after so many times by various people told her of tbe great dangers; again these warning given by those risking their family's lives, well beingness as well as thier own to give aid and protection to her.

An amazing story of events happening during WW11 and the affect it had on one family.The sheer determination that shows their love of their country for return to peace. The oldest daughter takes on so many challenges and has to mature very quickly. It is a very dangerous journey she embarkes on. The people she meets along the way are also very interesting characters. I really enjoyed the twists and turns along the way.

Le avventure della protagonista sono ben costruite e tengono alta l'attenzione del lettore, anche se qualche volta sono un po' prevedibili.

This is a long novel, 49 chapters plus an epilogue, but never seems long. Indeed it is a work that when I had to suspend reading, I could not wait to get back to it. It concerns the appalling situation in Nazi occupied France, but in particular Alsace Loraine, which had changed hands several times, and therefore was a frontier between France and Germany.The family at the front of the story is Jewish which is non practising and carries the German name Mayer. As such they do not make it public that they are Jewish - for obvious reasons in this Nazi climate - until some traitorous and mischievous person betrays them and so the Nazi heavies set about removing them.The story, so engagingly told, then tells how the family of 6 has to split to escape and Sarah the young, unworldly, but eldest of the brood, first makes her way West into France. A frightening episode on the climb over the Vosges from Colmar throws up a startling about turn by one of the German soldiers who had captured them, but who, witnessing an attempted rape, saves them and thereafter accompanies and befriends Sarah. The adventures are told with nail biting tension and most beautifully written.This is a very fine and major novel and is enthusiastically recommended without reservation.

This novel appealed to me for many reasons. It was a love story and a shocking revelation of the horrors of the Nazi regime, but it showed clearly that not all Germans were Nazi's and many risked being treated as traitors rather than supporting the war effort. There were some unexpected twists in the story that I enjoyed. The character portrayals were interesting even though in at least one, the development was extreme. To say more would spoil the read. It was a satisfying book to read. I enjoyed it.

Very good read. Couldn't put it down. The horrors of war and the strength and love of family shone through