The Violinist of 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.

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