Anna has one chance for survival—and it lies in the hands of her mortal enemy. It’s 1943 and Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian living in Prague, has lost nearly everything. Most of her family has been deported, and the Nazi occupation ended her career as a concert violinist. Now Anna is left to care for her grandmother, and she’ll do anything to keep her safe—a job that gets much harder when Nazi … harder when Nazi officer Horst Engel is quartered in the flat below them.
Though musical instruments have been declared illegal, Anna defiantly continues to play the violin. But Horst, dissatisfied with German ideology, enjoys her soothing music. When Anna and her grandmother face deportation, Horst risks everything to protect them.
Anna finds herself falling in love with the handsome officer and his brave heart. But what he reveals might stop the music forever.
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It goes without saying that, if you’ve read my reviews before, I love WWII fiction. I’ve always been drawn to the events that led to such a chaotic and emotional time in the world. The Melody of the Soul by Liz Tolsma reminded me of the Brock and Bodie Thoene books that I read about a decade ago. Obviously, I had to read The Melody of the Soul.
The first three chapters captured my attention immediately. The drama began and built and dramatically took turns that made me nervous and brought tears to my eyes. The Melody of the Soul is a book that captures a lot of the fear, the pride and arrogance, and the determination to survive. The story is built around characters who are musicians, and I feel that it’s poignant to say that the story itself felt like a heartfelt composition. Softly building as the stage is set, the story’s song gradually adds in the element of danger. Liz Tolsma brilliantly captured a musician’s feel to the novel, and as a musician and a lover of music myself, it was easily identified.
If you are a lover and avid reader of WWII fiction, I would recommend you seek out The Melody of the Soul. I will warn you, though, that the Holocaust depiction will sadden you. Some of the content matter may be a trigger for those who aren’t familiar with this content.
All in all, I am very pleased with this novel. The writing was well done, and the characters’ thoughts and feelings were vivid. The plot skipped around a bit, but seemed to flow fairly smoothly.
The Melody of the Soul is the first book that I’ve read from Liz Tolsma and it most certainly won’t be my last. I originally picked up a copy because of the cover and I was fascinated to learn more about the citizens of Prague during World War II. This is an inspirational story that will tug at the heartstrings long after finishing the book. I think it hit home even more because the main characters were based on real people. I’m a Christian, but like Anna, I have Jewish heritage. Many of my relatives were victims of the Holocaust so I love reading stories like these because I feel like I can understand my family’s history.
World War II was an uncertain and terrible time for many. While there some violence and horrible scenes can be found in the book, the author does so in a way that isn’t graphic or depressing to the reader. This is a story of hope.
Another thing that fascinated me about this story is that one of our main characters is a Nazi. It is so easy to hate them, but Horst stands out from the rest. He doesn’t want to be like them. Instead, he wants to do what’s right and hides and protects Jewish victims.
The author also has a sound theology that can be seen throughout the novel. None of this preachy, but flows perfectly with the book. One of the spiritual themes that I loved that the book contained was about our need for God and salvation. The author gives a clear Gospel message in a way that really stays with you. If you were to die today, do you know where you’ll be going?
Another theme that played a huge part in the book and that challenged me was about being willing to sacrifice your life to save another. As much as I would say that I would do everything I could to protect Jews in that day, it’s a tough call when you’re faced with the reality. It’s easier said than done. That itself is a powerful impact, especially this quote.
“Yes, I long for her. Ache without her. I’m worried to death about her. What they might do to my beautiful love. If I could take her place, I would.”
Anna and Horst nodded. Babička sipped her tea and cleared her throat. “That’s what she did for us. Took our place. Just what Jesus did for us.”
Another theme is about trusting God in our difficult circumstances, especially with an unseen future. While we may not at war and trying to protect our lives, I can totally relate to the characters when it comes to trusting God as a believer. It isn’t always the easiest, but it’s the best way.
Overall, this is a powerful story that will stick with you long after the story is over. This is the first book in her new series and I cannot wait to see what the author has in store for us next.
Highly recommended!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
I am so emotionally drained after reading this book, that I don’t think I will ever be the same again. The atrocities that the Jewish people endured was so hurtful I cried throughout the book. The book draws readers in with details that only an author that has done extensive research could write. Her words flow with emotion across the pages. I am so upset after reading this book because the thought of people bring hunted down and murdered because of their ethnicity is barbaric. It’s part of our history that can never be erased and I’m ashamed that it happened to innocent people.
The author gives us a few characters that we follow as they go through the horrors of hiding and at times some being found. Can you imagine having to hide in a little crevice hoping you would not be discovered? Anna is a wonderful character who relies on the music from her violin and God to help ease her fear and desperation. I could hear her music quietly play as hope enveloped her. Her desire to keep her family safe was so emotional, I wanted to help her hide and hug her at the same time.
It is hard to allow your heart to trust during this difficult time. I often questioned if Anna was making a wise choice when she begins to trust a German soldier. Will the soldier keep Anna and her grandmother safe? I loved how the author used certain characters to illustrate the passage in the Bible about “laying your life down for a friend.” Those lives were sacrificed so others would be safe. Would you be able to give your life to save another? This has to be one of the most powerful, realistic book I’ve ever read about the unfair treatment of Jews. The author captured the truth of an historical event and wrote a story that we must never forget.
“No one should be hunted because of the blood that flows in their veins. We’re all created in God’s image.”
I received a copy of this book from Litfuse. The review is my own opinion.
A very powerful read and a time that we need to never forget, it can never be repeated, but you will need to have the tissues handy.
A story of survival, but also one of great faith, this life is temporary, but hard when it is being stolen from you because of your heritage. We see brutality up close and personal, and also compassion and the ultimate gift of giving one’s own life for another.
We also see where there is such great hate there is also love not all are evil, and the author puts faces on these people. From the first to the last page, I couldn’t stop reading, and we don’t know whom will still be with us as we turn the last.
A compelling read and when I finished, I wanted more!
I received this book through Lit Fuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
Wow! I love this author’s books, and I do believe this is one of my favorites of hers and will go on my list of favorite WWII historical fiction books I have read. I was pulled into the story from the first pages and could not put it down. It is an emotional roller coaster following the love story develop between a German officer and a Jew during WWII. The author certainly pulls the reader into the intrigue and danger of that time in history. It is also a beautiful story of how God does work even during the darkest of times. I was given a copy of this book by Gilead Publishing, but a positive review was not required. The opinions expressed are my own, and this is definitely a book that is a must read for the reader who enjoys WWII stories.
Literally couldn’t put this book down. So vivid and well researched. Passionately written and intrinsically beautiful. Characters are well-written with excellent development over the course of the book. Story was gripping and intense, while still providing a satisfying ending. I would recommend this to lovers of WWII fiction and historical fiction.