Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
i expected to love this book, I really did. After all it's a love story set during WWII with a modern time story, the quest for a painting of a beautiful Vienese violinist who had been sent to Auschweitz. It grabbed my attention immediately. Early on I realized that not only is the book historical fiction, but, also Christian Fiction. In the beginning there were subtle references to God and they didn't bother me too much, but, as the stories continued the passages talking about God were much more pronounced. In my opinion these continuous references just ruined what could have been a good book. Others I'm sure love this, but, it's just not my cup of tea in literature. If I could, I'd give it 2 1/2 stars, I'm being generous and will round it up.
"The Butterfly and the Violin" was a historical fiction with bits of Christian and romance elements. the book was generally a pleasant read but I found the writing and the enjoyment level just mediocre, at most average overall.
Depending what the readers' expectations are. An average WW2 novel itself, but "The Butterfly and the Violin" would make an engrossing read to readers who lean towards more to the Christian and/or romance genres with wartime Austria and Auschwitz as backdrops. Overall, it was a sweet and easy read. Slightly more than a 3.5 stars in my opinion.
*A minor nitpick. If I recall correctly, the author claimed Mendelssohn's Violin Concert in e minor "a song." Editor should have noticed that is a piece or a musical work, NOT a song.
Depending what the readers' expectations are. An average WW2 novel itself, but "The Butterfly and the Violin" would make an engrossing read to readers who lean towards more to the Christian and/or romance genres with wartime Austria and Auschwitz as backdrops. Overall, it was a sweet and easy read. Slightly more than a 3.5 stars in my opinion.
*A minor nitpick. If I recall correctly, the author claimed Mendelssohn's Violin Concert in e minor "a song." Editor should have noticed that is a piece or a musical work, NOT a song.
I recently contacted a friend from high school that I haven't talked to in years. She often has posts about Christian romance books (a favorite genre of mine) on Facebook so I reached out to ask her about her posts. Through the course of e-mails she recommended this book to me as one of her favorite reads of this past year. I hadn't even heard of it or seen it while browsing Amazon. I was glad she recommenced it. I was able to check it out from the local library. I was in the mood for something with a little bit less fluff and this book certainly provided that.
This book goes back and forth between two time periods. One story is about Sera, an art gallery owner, who is trying to track down a painting she saw as a child. This leads her to William who has the information to help her find the painting. The story is also about Adele, the subject of the paining and her fall from being a well known Austrian violinist to being sent to Auschwitz during WWII for helping Jews to escape.
Adele ends up being part of an orchestra at Auschwitz. I had no idea that one even existed. The joy of historical fiction! I learned something new. Books about the holocaust are so hard but also so beautiful and this one was no exception.
The book is beautiful on its own, but it also has two romances. Adele's story was particularly touching. The book has much to recommend itself without my mentioning the romances but some of my friends might like to know about it. ;)
This book goes back and forth between two time periods. One story is about Sera, an art gallery owner, who is trying to track down a painting she saw as a child. This leads her to William who has the information to help her find the painting. The story is also about Adele, the subject of the paining and her fall from being a well known Austrian violinist to being sent to Auschwitz during WWII for helping Jews to escape.
Adele ends up being part of an orchestra at Auschwitz. I had no idea that one even existed. The joy of historical fiction! I learned something new. Books about the holocaust are so hard but also so beautiful and this one was no exception.
The book is beautiful on its own, but it also has two romances. Adele's story was particularly touching. The book has much to recommend itself without my mentioning the romances but some of my friends might like to know about it. ;)
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I've had this book on my Kindle for a fair while and thanks to an urge to read Historical Fiction this month, finally got round to reading it. I have to say it had a pretty strong beginning, particularly with regards to Adele's story-line. There was some pretty decent writing and I was instantly captured by the Holocaust era that Cambron focused on. She'd obviously done a fair amount of research. After the first third however, I began to feel vaguely disinterested in the story-line and disconnected from the characters. This feeling came from the two plot lines that were so loosely connected that I felt they could really have been two different books. One was a haunting tale of war, cruelty and how humanity can overcome even the most horrifying of situations. The other? An unnecessary distraction. The plot of Sera's story felt very far-fetched, I didn't appreciate it's Soap Opera style, conversations between characters were too wordy at some points, important moments felt unfinished and avoided and the writing was far too basic and a little unimaginative. Unfortunately while a lot of readers enjoyed the large amount of Faith infused into the novel, it is not something that I personally enjoy reading and matched with the predictable Romance (another genre that I don't enjoy a whole lot) I felt like the plot was forsaken in favour of the message that Cambron was trying to purvey. The religious aspect infused beautifully with the Historical setting however, I wish that Cambron had chosen to focus entirely on and expand upon Adele's story.
For the full review, see here: http://chasedbymyimagination.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/book-review-butterfly-violin-kristy.html
I've had this book on my Kindle for a fair while and thanks to an urge to read Historical Fiction this month, finally got round to reading it. I have to say it had a pretty strong beginning, particularly with regards to Adele's story-line. There was some pretty decent writing and I was instantly captured by the Holocaust era that Cambron focused on. She'd obviously done a fair amount of research. After the first third however, I began to feel vaguely disinterested in the story-line and disconnected from the characters. This feeling came from the two plot lines that were so loosely connected that I felt they could really have been two different books. One was a haunting tale of war, cruelty and how humanity can overcome even the most horrifying of situations. The other? An unnecessary distraction. The plot of Sera's story felt very far-fetched, I didn't appreciate it's Soap Opera style, conversations between characters were too wordy at some points, important moments felt unfinished and avoided and the writing was far too basic and a little unimaginative. Unfortunately while a lot of readers enjoyed the large amount of Faith infused into the novel, it is not something that I personally enjoy reading and matched with the predictable Romance (another genre that I don't enjoy a whole lot) I felt like the plot was forsaken in favour of the message that Cambron was trying to purvey. The religious aspect infused beautifully with the Historical setting however, I wish that Cambron had chosen to focus entirely on and expand upon Adele's story.
For the full review, see here: http://chasedbymyimagination.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/book-review-butterfly-violin-kristy.html
I must admit that when I requested this book on Netgalley, I did not know that this was Christian fiction. While this isn't a book I would usually read, I am so glad I did.
It's the story of survival. Adele, the Christian daughter of an Austrian military leader, was sent to Auschwitz for "reeducation" after she was caught attempting to smuggle out a Jewish family. Sera is a lost woman searching for a lost painting while trying to move on after heartbreak. Both women were deeply betrayed by someone they love. Both women wrestle with and find comfort in their faith while trying to overcome their struggles. Their lives become entangled and Adele's survival helps Sera succeed.
This is one of the few books I've read this year with near perfect pacing. I was never bored or felt rushed, except towards the end. I feel that the ending, while satisfying, was wrapped up too quickly.
I sincerely recommend this book to anyone interested in WW2-era fiction, regardless of their faith.
It's the story of survival. Adele, the Christian daughter of an Austrian military leader, was sent to Auschwitz for "reeducation" after she was caught attempting to smuggle out a Jewish family. Sera is a lost woman searching for a lost painting while trying to move on after heartbreak. Both women were deeply betrayed by someone they love. Both women wrestle with and find comfort in their faith while trying to overcome their struggles. Their lives become entangled and Adele's survival helps Sera succeed.
This is one of the few books I've read this year with near perfect pacing. I was never bored or felt rushed, except towards the end. I feel that the ending, while satisfying, was wrapped up too quickly.
I sincerely recommend this book to anyone interested in WW2-era fiction, regardless of their faith.
I’ve read many WWII books, but this one was different, showing the war through the eyes of a non-Jewish prisoner. I love dual storylines, and these did not disappoint.
Good story. The time slip aspect could have been done better. It was a little jumpy, and the ending felt rushed. Overall, I enjoyed it, though.
Was a little too preachy for me. These characters are too one direction or the other--Do we really believe the Nazi father will turn in his only daughter? Is William really so good? I did like aspects of this novel--unraveling the mystery of the painting, the dual point of view, but I became weary with the tone.
What I great tale- I read this for a "debut book" category in Christian fiction challenge and WOW! What a tale!
Absolutely beautiful story!
I couldn’t put this book down! A beautiful story, intertwined with the atrocities of Auschwitz. Well written and it easily transformed me to 1940. I recommend this book for all those who enjoy historic romances!
I couldn’t put this book down! A beautiful story, intertwined with the atrocities of Auschwitz. Well written and it easily transformed me to 1940. I recommend this book for all those who enjoy historic romances!