The Butterfly and the Violin

This story is simply exquisite. Adele makes one decision to help a friend and loses everything, being sent to Auschwitz after being sentenced to “eight weeks of reeducation” for her actions. She is not Jewish, and her father is a high-ranking officer in the Third Reich, but that does not save her from a horrific experience in the concentration camp.

I was not aware that prisoner orchestras were forced to play during the arrivals and executions of other prisoners. I had heard that musicians and doctors had a higher chance of survival than others, but not why. I don't think I could manage to step up and keep playing in such circumstances, and it was no surprise to read of the high suicide rate among the players.

Add to that the story of Sera James, the art dealer who is trying to find a painting made of Adele and her violin. The jumps in timeline were expertly executed and easy to follow.

Highly recommended!