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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
This book captured me from the first few pages until the last. Without spoiling too much at this point, I will say it's been a long time since a book has moved me this much-from tears, fear, to child-like joy! It's a book that will make you think, reflect and look at your own life slightly different. An absolute treasure of a book and one that I highly recommend.
Checked out this book without knowing that it was was a Christian based story so that was a surprise, but not unwelcome.
I'm not always a big fan of dual time/storylines but this one was great. It also FLEW BY.
Honestly I looked at my progress and realized I was already 1/3 of the way done with it, then I was half way done, then I only had 2 hours left and then suddenly only 30 minutes. It was flying by, and if there's anything I appreciate it's a book that doesn't drag.
I also now really want to see what this painting looks like. So that's kind of unfair. =(
I'm not always a big fan of dual time/storylines but this one was great. It also FLEW BY.
Honestly I looked at my progress and realized I was already 1/3 of the way done with it, then I was half way done, then I only had 2 hours left and then suddenly only 30 minutes. It was flying by, and if there's anything I appreciate it's a book that doesn't drag.
I also now really want to see what this painting looks like. So that's kind of unfair. =(
Historical fiction is one of my favorite literary genres, and one of my favorite topics to read about within that genre is World War II. Like I’ve stated in previous reviews about World War II novels, I truly wish that this traumatic part of history had never happened; however, I do enjoy learning how courageous people were in helping to protect Jewish families.
One component I found about this book that doesn’t happen very often is that I loved every one of the main characters: Sera, William, Adele, and Vladimir. It was interesting to see the similarities between Sera and Adele, and William and Vladimir. Even though they lived during completely different parts of history, it was neat to discover how the two women and the two men were very much alike, and their relationships were quite identical, as well.
Being a violinist myself, I so enjoyed the parts of the novel where Adele discussed her experience with violin performances and playing in general. I find that it can be difficult to define the feelings and thoughts I experience while playing. The descriptions provided in the novel I found to express how I feel, and it was awesome to read about since I could relate on a personal level.
The only thing I didn’t enjoy about this book was the religious factor. The main characters were often looking to God for answers, searching for Him amongst the trauma, and asking why He was letting these events occur. I am not a religious person myself, so found the repetitive mentions of religion to be annoying at times. However, I understand that during this time, people needed something or someone to look to to try and understand why the terrible events that were happening were happening.
Overall, I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys reading about the World War II era, enjoys historical romance, or just enjoys historical fiction in general. I did enjoy this book and am glad that I read it.
One component I found about this book that doesn’t happen very often is that I loved every one of the main characters: Sera, William, Adele, and Vladimir. It was interesting to see the similarities between Sera and Adele, and William and Vladimir. Even though they lived during completely different parts of history, it was neat to discover how the two women and the two men were very much alike, and their relationships were quite identical, as well.
Being a violinist myself, I so enjoyed the parts of the novel where Adele discussed her experience with violin performances and playing in general. I find that it can be difficult to define the feelings and thoughts I experience while playing. The descriptions provided in the novel I found to express how I feel, and it was awesome to read about since I could relate on a personal level.
The only thing I didn’t enjoy about this book was the religious factor. The main characters were often looking to God for answers, searching for Him amongst the trauma, and asking why He was letting these events occur. I am not a religious person myself, so found the repetitive mentions of religion to be annoying at times. However, I understand that during this time, people needed something or someone to look to to try and understand why the terrible events that were happening were happening.
Overall, I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys reading about the World War II era, enjoys historical romance, or just enjoys historical fiction in general. I did enjoy this book and am glad that I read it.
Heavy handed and a little clunky, yet I have a hard time giving a bad review to a book that delves into a tender part of history. The concept of the story was engaging but it unraveled with one-note characters and uneven pacing. I appreciated how it tried to add a dimension of faith to the people of the story but it felt a little too paint-by-number in its execution.
All that to say, I love that the author had this story idea based on some engaging, true history and ran with it. The work behind building a story cannot be minimized. As she speaks about in the book, the work we have is our gift to give. Even though we will not be as inordinately talented as some of the book's characters, we can be faithful with what we have. And I appreciate that the author did this with her skill.
All that to say, I love that the author had this story idea based on some engaging, true history and ran with it. The work behind building a story cannot be minimized. As she speaks about in the book, the work we have is our gift to give. Even though we will not be as inordinately talented as some of the book's characters, we can be faithful with what we have. And I appreciate that the author did this with her skill.
Haunting story of a young woman whose life changed overnite. Beautifully written, portraying the struggle to find light in darkness, beauty in the midst of evil.
I’m not sure why I’m only now picking up a novel by @kristycambron, but I’m glad I finally did. This book, a duel timeline between present day America and 1940’s Europe, is heavy with the horrors of the Holocaust but full of hope in the way of faith and art.
It felt relevant, the reminder that when days are dark there is always Light somewhere. This is a story about Adele, a talented concert violinist that ends up at Auschwitz, and the prisoners she befriends at the camp who use music and art to give them hope and a respite from the absolute terror that consumes their days.
In present-day America, Sera searches for a painting she first saw as a child of a beautiful woman playing the violin. Her search reveals a story of love, hope and the beauty of Creation that God has instilled in us all.
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4/5 ⭐️ - I really liked it.
It felt relevant, the reminder that when days are dark there is always Light somewhere. This is a story about Adele, a talented concert violinist that ends up at Auschwitz, and the prisoners she befriends at the camp who use music and art to give them hope and a respite from the absolute terror that consumes their days.
In present-day America, Sera searches for a painting she first saw as a child of a beautiful woman playing the violin. Her search reveals a story of love, hope and the beauty of Creation that God has instilled in us all.
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4/5 ⭐️ - I really liked it.
What an amazing story! As a violinist, art appreciator, and lover of history, this book was perfect for me. However, while the story was incredible, there were a few things I didn't love.
The writing: It wasn't bad, per se, but it just seemed maybe a little fake to me. I think that the style didn't fit the plot very well. I loved a lot of the descriptions, but I would have enjoyed it more with a different style.
The ending: I thought the ending was a bit unrealistic. Too Hallmark perfect. The holocaust is not a Hallmark movie people! I mean, there were a couple sad things that were never resolved, but too much of it was tied up in a perfect little package with a bow.
Also, I wish that we had gotten to see more of Vladimir. Honestly, I was a little, somewhat, a lot, in love with him too! He's a CELLIST, who rescues Jews!
Even so, The Butterfly and the Violin is highly recommended by me!
The writing: It wasn't bad, per se, but it just seemed maybe a little fake to me. I think that the style didn't fit the plot very well. I loved a lot of the descriptions, but I would have enjoyed it more with a different style.
The ending: I thought the ending was a bit unrealistic. Too Hallmark perfect. The holocaust is not a Hallmark movie people! I mean, there were a couple sad things that were never resolved, but too much of it was tied up in a perfect little package with a bow.
Also, I wish that we had gotten to see more of Vladimir. Honestly, I was a little, somewhat, a lot, in love with him too! He's a CELLIST, who rescues Jews!
Even so, The Butterfly and the Violin is highly recommended by me!
Kristy Cambron’s debut novel The Butterfly and the Violin is one of the best reads of 2014! She does a remarkable job of pulling her audience into the romance and mystery surrounding a missing work of art from the Holocaust. This is a moving tale packed with second chances and faith born from heartache.
The historical elements of the novel are captivating. This story reaches as far back as 1930 with content relating to the Nuremberg Laws. Author Kristy Cambron uses the motherly Jewish character of Omara to detail the conditions inside Auschwitz-Birkenau from its inception until Adele’s arrival on March 12, 1943. Cambron also chronicles major events in WWII Austria as well as the fall of the Nazi regime in 1945. This work honors the memory of the artists who risked certain death to create beauty amid the ashes.
The modern day storyline including Sera James and William Hanover is emotionally stirring. Sera’s story involves her attempts to fill a void that has been left by the men in her life. A woman with “trust issues” would be the best way to describe her. William is a man torn between expectations that have been placed on him by others and his desire to follow a higher calling. When these two individuals collide the sparks fly.
There is no mistaking that this title belongs in the genre of Christian fiction. The characters within the story clearly acknowledge God at every turn. They pray, seek His guidance, experience despair when He feels out of reach, and worship Him with wild abandon. William, Sera, and Adel all grapple with betrayal and loss in some form. How they choose to bring their secrets into the light of a powerful God is what sets this story and these characters apart from others. As they decide to trust and rely on God - He uses their circumstance to refine their faith and draw them closer to Himself and each other.
Kristy Cambron bursts onto the Christian fiction stage with a stellar performance. I give The Butterfly and the Violin 5 out of 5 stars.
The historical elements of the novel are captivating. This story reaches as far back as 1930 with content relating to the Nuremberg Laws. Author Kristy Cambron uses the motherly Jewish character of Omara to detail the conditions inside Auschwitz-Birkenau from its inception until Adele’s arrival on March 12, 1943. Cambron also chronicles major events in WWII Austria as well as the fall of the Nazi regime in 1945. This work honors the memory of the artists who risked certain death to create beauty amid the ashes.
The modern day storyline including Sera James and William Hanover is emotionally stirring. Sera’s story involves her attempts to fill a void that has been left by the men in her life. A woman with “trust issues” would be the best way to describe her. William is a man torn between expectations that have been placed on him by others and his desire to follow a higher calling. When these two individuals collide the sparks fly.
There is no mistaking that this title belongs in the genre of Christian fiction. The characters within the story clearly acknowledge God at every turn. They pray, seek His guidance, experience despair when He feels out of reach, and worship Him with wild abandon. William, Sera, and Adel all grapple with betrayal and loss in some form. How they choose to bring their secrets into the light of a powerful God is what sets this story and these characters apart from others. As they decide to trust and rely on God - He uses their circumstance to refine their faith and draw them closer to Himself and each other.
Kristy Cambron bursts onto the Christian fiction stage with a stellar performance. I give The Butterfly and the Violin 5 out of 5 stars.
This was a book I picked up because my mom said she had loved it. I can't exactly say the same but there were certainly parts that I thought were brilliant. The story line of Adele and Vladimir was the most intriguing part of this novel for me. So much so, I think this book could have done without the modern day story line. The modern day characters and conflicts were not as delicate and well thought out as those of Adele and her friends. I felt like William's behavior was dishonest and the things he did to Sera were all justified by the fact he was a Christian man. Speaking of which God was mentioned a notable about of times during this novel. This was not a bad thing but it felt like the modern story line inserted Christianity almost forcefully to make this book have a good Christian moral. Disregarding the modern day story line, the story of Adele was breathtaking. Like I mentioned previously, I would have read a story solely based in her timeline. Adele came from a position of privilege and was able to empathize and care for those around her when she was sent to Auschwitz. She was a strong female character who rejected modernity and embraced a kinder world through her love of the violin.
“And as God is everywhere, she couldn’t live but to carry Him in her heart, with the worship of daily life, using the gift of every second bestowed upon her to bring honor and glory to her Savior.”
If you enjoyed reading The Book Theif, you’ll probably enjoy this book too. While I do enjoy 18th-century fiction (and non-fiction!), I love World War II fiction as well. This book was not as light and fluffy as some of the others I’ve read, which I’ve found I’m growing out of my fluffy and fun stage and into more thought-provoking or more serious books, such as this one. But I still think it will be enjoyed by anyone of any age. In fact, my grandmother got this book for Christmas and I stole it from her after she read it. Oops.
Very quickly, I’d like to comment on the title and the cover. I love titles that are part of the story; ones that as you read you say to yourself “Oh! So that’s where this came from!” And the cover is one of my favorites I’ve seen. It looks a little vintage, which I think is interesting because many books have bright, eye-catching covers, while this one is obviously a bit more subdued, but eye-catching for that very reason.
First off, this is not a typical historical fiction book. Ms. Cambron switches between our present day with the horrors of Hitler’s reign, yet it never feels too confusing and the horrors of Auschwitz too difficult to read. While I did prefer reading about Adele, the stories of the two young women weave and connect together very nicely. The writing style is so beautiful, I was very surprised when I found out that this was Cambron’s first novel.
The story itself is based on a young woman Adele Von Bron, an exceptional violinist from a prominent Austrian household who is sent to play her violin for Nazi soldiers at Auschwitz along with other musicians. Sera James is a Manhatten art dealer who becomes intrigued by a painting of a young violinist (Hint: It’s Adele) and begins to research the painting to find out what her story turned out to be.
Adele’s story was so incredible and inspiring. Again, this is Adele’s story, as we see what becomes of her through the eyes of Sera. There isn’t much I can say on Adele’s story that won’t give too much away, but what I can say is that Adele is a character that many of us will probably be able to relate too; at least I did. Though it is very unlikely none of us will face the horrors of Nazi concentration camps, we can all take care to be brave and caring like her. My favorite part was that her bravery didn’t mean she wasn’t scared, but rather she had the courage to stand up and face her fears.
Sera’s story was one that surprised me – mostly because I was surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did! As with Adele, there isn’t too much I can say about Sera that won’t give much away, since Sera’s story is so close to Adele’s. But I will say that this modern day storyline was enjoyable, too for those who prefer modern over historical fiction.
I absolutely and thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was swept off my feet at the subtle sweetness and careful handle of such a dark subject. Whether you enjoy contemporary or historical fiction, I think you will really love this book and the different look you’ll receive about Auschwitz and Nazi Germany.
If you enjoyed reading The Book Theif, you’ll probably enjoy this book too. While I do enjoy 18th-century fiction (and non-fiction!), I love World War II fiction as well. This book was not as light and fluffy as some of the others I’ve read, which I’ve found I’m growing out of my fluffy and fun stage and into more thought-provoking or more serious books, such as this one. But I still think it will be enjoyed by anyone of any age. In fact, my grandmother got this book for Christmas and I stole it from her after she read it. Oops.
Very quickly, I’d like to comment on the title and the cover. I love titles that are part of the story; ones that as you read you say to yourself “Oh! So that’s where this came from!” And the cover is one of my favorites I’ve seen. It looks a little vintage, which I think is interesting because many books have bright, eye-catching covers, while this one is obviously a bit more subdued, but eye-catching for that very reason.
First off, this is not a typical historical fiction book. Ms. Cambron switches between our present day with the horrors of Hitler’s reign, yet it never feels too confusing and the horrors of Auschwitz too difficult to read. While I did prefer reading about Adele, the stories of the two young women weave and connect together very nicely. The writing style is so beautiful, I was very surprised when I found out that this was Cambron’s first novel.
The story itself is based on a young woman Adele Von Bron, an exceptional violinist from a prominent Austrian household who is sent to play her violin for Nazi soldiers at Auschwitz along with other musicians. Sera James is a Manhatten art dealer who becomes intrigued by a painting of a young violinist (Hint: It’s Adele) and begins to research the painting to find out what her story turned out to be.
Adele’s story was so incredible and inspiring. Again, this is Adele’s story, as we see what becomes of her through the eyes of Sera. There isn’t much I can say on Adele’s story that won’t give too much away, but what I can say is that Adele is a character that many of us will probably be able to relate too; at least I did. Though it is very unlikely none of us will face the horrors of Nazi concentration camps, we can all take care to be brave and caring like her. My favorite part was that her bravery didn’t mean she wasn’t scared, but rather she had the courage to stand up and face her fears.
Sera’s story was one that surprised me – mostly because I was surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did! As with Adele, there isn’t too much I can say about Sera that won’t give much away, since Sera’s story is so close to Adele’s. But I will say that this modern day storyline was enjoyable, too for those who prefer modern over historical fiction.
I absolutely and thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was swept off my feet at the subtle sweetness and careful handle of such a dark subject. Whether you enjoy contemporary or historical fiction, I think you will really love this book and the different look you’ll receive about Auschwitz and Nazi Germany.