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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
Great idea, poor execution unfortunately. I applaud her first effort, but there really was no meat to it. It actually felt like two people wrote the book because the modern-day story was fluffy romance "chick lit" which really does not fit the tone of a Holocaust story.
I'm not a huge fan of "then and now" stories but recognize that many Holocaust books are written that way and so I try to go with it. This book was "then and now" plus "before then". Three different time periods, at least one of which felt completely unnecessary.
Tropes. The author appears to be a big fan of them because she used many. One can be effective if done well, but these seemed thrown in here and there for shock factor. They just made me groan. But then I'm not a huge fan of romance fiction just for the sake of romance. I pretty much skimmed through the modern-day stuff after the first third or so.
Lastly, and most importantly for a Holocaust book (or really any great book), the relationships felt pretty superficial. It was like the author was trying to say the right things without showing or allowing us to feel the emotion behind it. Early on, two concentration camp prisoners were introduced, one of whom had just arrived at the camp as a political prisoner and had grown up wealthy and sheltered from most of the Nazi regime. They immediately began philosophizing about the evilness of the camp in a way that they couldn't possibly have been able to do at that time. It felt like the author was contributing her own opinion (or anyone's current opinion) based on what we now know about what happened during the Holocaust.
This was nothing like "The Nightingale", "Schindler's List", "Once We Were Brothers", "The Storyteller", "The Auschwitz Escape", "Code Name Verity", "Rose Under Fire", or even "Lilac Girls". Those are truly moving stories whereas I felt almost nothing during this book (except frustration). I pretty much gave up after the main character, who is supposed to be a starving concentration camp prisoner, threw out some food just because a Nazi officer gave it to her. That actually made me angry. She could have at least taken it back to give to her friends. I'm sure they would have gladly taken it TO SURVIVE, which is supposed to be the point.
I'm not a huge fan of "then and now" stories but recognize that many Holocaust books are written that way and so I try to go with it. This book was "then and now" plus "before then". Three different time periods, at least one of which felt completely unnecessary.
Tropes. The author appears to be a big fan of them because she used many. One can be effective if done well, but these seemed thrown in here and there for shock factor. They just made me groan. But then I'm not a huge fan of romance fiction just for the sake of romance. I pretty much skimmed through the modern-day stuff after the first third or so.
Lastly, and most importantly for a Holocaust book (or really any great book), the relationships felt pretty superficial. It was like the author was trying to say the right things without showing or allowing us to feel the emotion behind it. Early on, two concentration camp prisoners were introduced, one of whom had just arrived at the camp as a political prisoner and had grown up wealthy and sheltered from most of the Nazi regime. They immediately began philosophizing about the evilness of the camp in a way that they couldn't possibly have been able to do at that time. It felt like the author was contributing her own opinion (or anyone's current opinion) based on what we now know about what happened during the Holocaust.
This was nothing like "The Nightingale", "Schindler's List", "Once We Were Brothers", "The Storyteller", "The Auschwitz Escape", "Code Name Verity", "Rose Under Fire", or even "Lilac Girls". Those are truly moving stories whereas I felt almost nothing during this book (except frustration). I pretty much gave up after the main character, who is supposed to be a starving concentration camp prisoner, threw out some food just because a Nazi officer gave it to her. That actually made me angry. She could have at least taken it back to give to her friends. I'm sure they would have gladly taken it TO SURVIVE, which is supposed to be the point.
There are some books that you know are going to impact your life. As you turn the pages the images, the story, becomes forever engrained in your mind. This is one of those books, prepare to became forever invested, forever changed.
The Butterfly and the Violin, is the set in both present day and during World War II. Cambron eloquently intertwines the two tales, transitioning between the two with ease. The book reveals itself the way history often does, over space and time.
Sera James, an art gallery owner, has been searching for an original painting of a portrait that has significant personal meaning to her from her childhood. This portrait is a piece of Holocaust art, of a woman playing the violin. A copy has James flying across the country to meet with its mysterious owner; the owner of the portrait passed away and she is left to deal with his grandson William Hanover. Mr. Hanover informs her that his grandfather willed his entire estate to the owner of the painting and therefore he too is seeking the original. Their paths are intertwined for the better or worse as they search for this piece.
Adele Von Bron is the daughter of a general of the Third Reich. She is Austria’s sweetheart, a title bestowed on her because of her talent as a violinist. Despite her family’s prominence in the Reich, Adele knows that what Germany is doing is wrong. She has fallen in love with Vladimir Nicolai, a musician and son of a merchant, a relationship that was doomed before it ever began. Her family would never approve of him because of his lower status; moreover they would not hesitate to report someone who was aiding those the Germans were trying to cleanse themselves of.
The Butterfly and the Violin, is the set in both present day and during World War II. Cambron eloquently intertwines the two tales, transitioning between the two with ease. The book reveals itself the way history often does, over space and time.
Sera James, an art gallery owner, has been searching for an original painting of a portrait that has significant personal meaning to her from her childhood. This portrait is a piece of Holocaust art, of a woman playing the violin. A copy has James flying across the country to meet with its mysterious owner; the owner of the portrait passed away and she is left to deal with his grandson William Hanover. Mr. Hanover informs her that his grandfather willed his entire estate to the owner of the painting and therefore he too is seeking the original. Their paths are intertwined for the better or worse as they search for this piece.
Adele Von Bron is the daughter of a general of the Third Reich. She is Austria’s sweetheart, a title bestowed on her because of her talent as a violinist. Despite her family’s prominence in the Reich, Adele knows that what Germany is doing is wrong. She has fallen in love with Vladimir Nicolai, a musician and son of a merchant, a relationship that was doomed before it ever began. Her family would never approve of him because of his lower status; moreover they would not hesitate to report someone who was aiding those the Germans were trying to cleanse themselves of.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book had it's moments where it was really moving. It didn't shy away from the horrors of time, but also managed to maintain a sense of delicacy in the writing even when writing about the atrocities. However, this book just wasn't for me. I usually steer clear of Romance (because I don't like them) and Christian books (because they have a tendency in my experience to come off as preachy) so I don't know how this one ended up on my TBR list. It's not something I would usually even consider.
Overall, I found it ok. I was able to finish it without struggling so that was a plus. 2.5*
Overall, I found it ok. I was able to finish it without struggling so that was a plus. 2.5*
Christian historical fiction with dual timelines — one set in the current day, and the other in WWII. The short version: modern day art gallery owner is searching for a painting of a woman, painted in a German prison camp. In the historical timeline, the daughter of an Austrian general is torn between loyalty to her family and everything she has ever known, or acting on what she believes is right.
I’ll be honest… before this book I had never heard of the Auschwitz orchestra! I learned so much about WWII through this story and it really rekindled my interest in that period of history.
I enjoyed the way the story progressed, each timeline gradually revealing something about the other and keeping me on the edge of my seat, waiting to find out what the connection was between the art gallery, the painting, and the violinist.
*PERSONAL OPINION* — As someone who doesn’t read romance, that was biggest negative of the book for me. It was a subplot in both timelines, thankfully not the main plot, but I had a hard time caring about the modern timeline romance. And the kissing… so much kissing!
I’ll be honest… before this book I had never heard of the Auschwitz orchestra! I learned so much about WWII through this story and it really rekindled my interest in that period of history.
I enjoyed the way the story progressed, each timeline gradually revealing something about the other and keeping me on the edge of my seat, waiting to find out what the connection was between the art gallery, the painting, and the violinist.
*PERSONAL OPINION* — As someone who doesn’t read romance, that was biggest negative of the book for me. It was a subplot in both timelines, thankfully not the main plot, but I had a hard time caring about the modern timeline romance. And the kissing… so much kissing!
Wow! For those who have loved The Book Thief, The Nightingale, and/or The Storyteller, I encourage you to read this book!
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
While I keep thinking I have learned most of what there is to know about the Holocaust there always is something more to be learned.
This book is a yes if you like dual narratives and mysteries of the present shining light on history of the past.
This book is a no if you don't like christian fiction because that is the first second and third theme of the novel.
Here is the set up: In present day we have Sarah who is facing her own heartbreak by hunting down a haunting painting she glimpsed once in the Louvre. She's brought together with William who is searching for this painting for his own reasons. The painting in question is of a beautiful, striking girl holding a violin but with the distinct tattoo of Auschwitz.
In the past we learn of Adele - daughter of a Nazi general who is also the darling violinist of Austria. She has picked a side in the war and must survive the consequences.
These stories weave back and forth learning more about both sides of the story until they finally come together.
My thoughts: While I should have anticipated this from a Nelson published book I didn't think the christianity would be SO heavy handed. However, if that's your jam go for it. I won't yuck on your yum. Additionally I found the romance between Sarah and William to be far too quick and not all that believable. 2 days? 2 and she's all heartbroken and won't ever trust? too fast to be believable. The stories of the past definitely were stronger than the present however overall it was a fine read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a yes if you like dual narratives and mysteries of the present shining light on history of the past.
This book is a no if you don't like christian fiction because that is the first second and third theme of the novel.
Here is the set up: In present day we have Sarah who is facing her own heartbreak by hunting down a haunting painting she glimpsed once in the Louvre. She's brought together with William who is searching for this painting for his own reasons. The painting in question is of a beautiful, striking girl holding a violin but with the distinct tattoo of Auschwitz.
In the past we learn of Adele - daughter of a Nazi general who is also the darling violinist of Austria. She has picked a side in the war and must survive the consequences.
These stories weave back and forth learning more about both sides of the story until they finally come together.
My thoughts: While I should have anticipated this from a Nelson published book I didn't think the christianity would be SO heavy handed. However, if that's your jam go for it. I won't yuck on your yum. Additionally I found the romance between Sarah and William to be far too quick and not all that believable. 2 days? 2 and she's all heartbroken and won't ever trust? too fast to be believable. The stories of the past definitely were stronger than the present however overall it was a fine read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sera James, an art dealer who was once mesmerized by a painting she saw in Paris, is launched into the final phase of her search to find the painting again when she meets dashing millionaire William Hanover.
This book wasn't as torrid romance as that little plot synopsis makes it out to be. In fact, except for a few (clearly stated) sweet kisses, there's little romance at all, but let's be clear...we all know how this is going to end.
The more interesting part of the story is that of the subject of the painting Sera searches for: Adele Von Braun, a gifted violinist in Nazi-occupied Austria. When her world is turned upside down, Adele is forced to face a new life that she can barely fathom. As you read Adele's story, Sera's starts to pale by comparison, especially after Sera's story becomes a foregone conclusion.
A note about the book: While it in no way is listed as Christian fiction, it is a Christian fiction novel. And yet even saying that, it doesn't feel as overt as some Christian fiction I've read. Faith in God is prominently displayed, but in some ways it almost holds back in a way that makes the Christian aspect of it feel a little half-hearted, like it was added in after the fact. It was odd, and in truth, that weird sense I got from that detracted from my rating.
This book wasn't as torrid romance as that little plot synopsis makes it out to be. In fact, except for a few (clearly stated) sweet kisses, there's little romance at all, but let's be clear...we all know how this is going to end.
The more interesting part of the story is that of the subject of the painting Sera searches for: Adele Von Braun, a gifted violinist in Nazi-occupied Austria. When her world is turned upside down, Adele is forced to face a new life that she can barely fathom. As you read Adele's story, Sera's starts to pale by comparison, especially after Sera's story becomes a foregone conclusion.
A note about the book: While it in no way is listed as Christian fiction, it is a Christian fiction novel. And yet even saying that, it doesn't feel as overt as some Christian fiction I've read. Faith in God is prominently displayed, but in some ways it almost holds back in a way that makes the Christian aspect of it feel a little half-hearted, like it was added in after the fact. It was odd, and in truth, that weird sense I got from that detracted from my rating.
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No