Tag Archives: Auschwitz

Auschwitz Lullaby

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Escobar, Mario. Abernathy, Gretchen (Translator). Auschwitz Lullaby. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson. 2018.

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SUMMARY:
Based on a true story, Auschwitz Lullaby follows Helene Hannemann and her family into the concentration camp at Auschwitz. German herself yet separated from her Gypsy husband, Helene and her five children must survive the hallows of the camp- physically, mentally and emotionally. When her background and skills are discovered, Helene is forced to open a daycare and school for the many children within the camp. Through heartbreaking decisions, difficult circumstances, and desperate measures, strength, heart, patience, faith, and compliance are tested.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
An emotional read based on an actual story, Auschwitz Lullaby shares the lengths a woman and mother will go for her children and family. Exceedingly protective of the children in her care, I so empathized with Helene as a mother. Heart-wrenching yet hopeful, deplorable yet strong, despairing yet inspiring, author Mario Escobar takes readers on quite a journey. Not easy to read but not a book to be missed, I am glad I took the opportunity to read this one. Discussion questions, a glossary, an author’s note and acknowledgements truly add to the impact of the story.  You will never know your own strength until you have no other option.

RATING:
4 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Auschwitz Lullaby from BookLook Bloggers for my honest review*

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The Butterfly and the Violin

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Cambron, Kristy. The Butterfly and the Violin: A Hidden Masterpiece Novel. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson. 2014.

SUMMARY:
violinSet in present day New York City yet intertwined with the past in Vienna, Austria, Sera James feels a strong connection to the woman, Adele Von Bron, in the painting. Owning an art gallery in New York, Sera remembers when she first saw the painting of Adele with the shaved head, tattoo on her upper arm and the sad yet determined blue eyes. As Austria’s sweetheart of the violin in the 1940’s, Adele must follow what is in her heart, no matter where it may lead her…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
What a deeply written novel which perfectly combines past and present in a smooth and logical manner. Though not an easy subject (Auschwitz) to broach by any means, Kristy Cambron approached it with the respect and honesty it requires. For a debut novel, this was exemplary; I wanted to keep reading yet didn’t want to continue as I knew it would then end. Though I would have preferred a slightly different ending, I understand why the author chose to complete it the way in which she did. Aptly named with a beautifully designed cover, The Butterfly and the Violin will stay with you for quite some time after turning the last page.

RATING:
5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The Butterfly and the Violin from BookLook Bloggers and Thomas Nelson for my honest review*