The Butterfly and the Violin - Book Review

Happy 1940's week! I thought I'd start it out with a review I wrote a few weeks back on Kristy Cambron's 'The Butterfly and the Violin'.  

But first, a quick summary:

A Mysterious painting breathes hope and beauty into the darkest corners of Auschwitz--and the loneliest hearts of Manhattan.

Manhattan art dealer Sera James watched her world crumble at the altar two years ago, and her heart is still fragile. Her desire for distraction reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait she first saw as a young girl--a painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes.

In her search for the painting, Sera crosses paths with William Hanover--the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul--who may be the key to uncovering the hidden masterpiece. Together Sera and William slowly unravel the story behind the painting's subject: Austrian violinist Adele Von Bron.
A darling of the Austrian aristocracy of 1942, talented violinist, and daughter to a high-ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele risks everything when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her life of prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire.

As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds beauty in the most unlikely of places: the grim camps of Auschwitz and the inner recesses of her own troubled heart.

My review:

Oh. My. Goodness....this book. This book! It has got to be one of the best books I have ever read! 

I've been meaning to read this one for a while! Oh, I shouldn't have waited SO long.   

The writing was stunning! It was like poetry to me.  It just flowed.  It was like I was lost in this big sea of words, it was so REAL. 

I loved the parts about Adele, and even enjoyed the parts in modern day, just not as much.  

Adele is such a beautiful character. I felt for her and all of the other prisoners.  

Vladimir. Oh, Vladimir.  He is the ideal man, girls. I love him! And he and Adele were so PERFECT for each other.  They just were beautiful together. 

And Omara was an absolutely beautiful person.  She was the strength that held the girls together.  She was the mother to the women who were imprisoned.  She was a light in the dark. 

I liked William. Sera, not so much.  I don't know why, but she got on my nerves a bit.  But no worries, it all worked out and I liked her in the end. 

I felt so much during this book. Ugh, I would've cried reading the last 40, 50 pages if I hadn't been sitting in the living room with other people around.  If I was by myself I would've shed some serious tears. And I hardly EVER cry during a book. I mean, it's seriously rare that I do. 

Again, it's hard to believe that such atrocities existed.  The unjust treatment of the Jewish people during WWII was horrific, and it makes you question humanity.  But, as the author makes clear, there is ALWAYS light in darkness.  And dark days must end eventually.


I cannot recommend this book *highly* enough! It is so, so, so, so, good.  Seriously, just read it! 5 out of 5 stars.! 

Tomorrow, I may post another review on a book set in the Forties or I may post my favorite 1940's movies.  Which would you prefer? 

Until Next Time,
Hannah