A captivating cross-generational novel from German author Mina Baites about a Jewish family divided by World War II and an inheritance with the power to bring them back together.
1914. For Paul, with love. Jewish silversmith Johann Blumenthal engraved those words on his most exquisite creation, a singing filigree bird inside a tiny ornamented box. He crafted this treasure for his young son … for his young son before leaving to fight in a terrible war to honor his beloved country—a country that would soon turn against his own family.
A half century later, Londoner Lilian Morrison inherits the box after the death of her parents. Though the silver is tarnished and dented, this much-loved treasure is also a link to an astonishing past. With the keepsake is a letter from Lilian’s mother, telling her daughter for the first time that she was adopted. Too young to remember, Lilian was rescued from a Germany in the grips of the Holocaust. Now only she can trace what happened to a family who scattered to the reaches of the world, a family forced to choose between their heritage and their dreams for the future.
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I loved this book! Wonderfully-developed characters with so many redeeming qualities and love and respect for family and their heritage. So much hate and persecution detailed that hopefully can give all of us a road map to avoid in our interaction with people and our everyday lives.
I’m a big fan of authors who can write endearing stories about one of the cruellest periods of human history. This is the story of a music box that gets passed on from one generation to the next, beginning in 1914 to the early 1960. It’s a beautifully written story but also a difficult one as it delves into Germany’s anti-Semitism of the 1930-40s. It’s a story of love and courage and family and heartbreaks. This book was recommended to me and I’m passing on the recommendation. Very moving.
Wonderful story. I will read more by this author.
A touching and beautifully flowing story from a gifted storyteller, and so beautifully narrated. It begins in 1914 when a Jewish father crafts the silver music box for his son prior to volunteering in the German army. Years later, the music box is left to a young woman who has just lost her parents in an auto accident. Through heartbreak, survival and heart-wrenching choices, the puzzle unfolds to a reveal the connection of the music box. Now on to book 2…
One of the most memorable books I have read lately.
Very easy and interesting read. Read in one day! I recommend this book.
Loved following this family through the generations.
One of the best kindle First books yet.
The Silver Music Box by Mina Baites
Cast of characters are highlighted at the start of this book.
Love learning new things: silver smithing and the family business. Love the design work discussed.
We find Johann and he’s making a special music box for his son Paul as he has to attend to some things that will take him away from home….
He meets with other family members as they discuss the war.
Johann will sign up to fight in the war-in another country to help the Jews.
Love how his wife wants to help out to help those in need-she will cook and serve at the synagogue. Story advances to when Paul is 19 and treasures his music box.
His father had died in the war…he will convert to Catholicism and then marry Clara who’s also converting…
His passion is also a silversmith and the shop continues even after Wall Street collapse…being shunned because they are Jews but live as Christians.
Love how they hold out for as long as they can-losing jobs, no customers….
What I like about this book are the descriptions-they are so deep and detailed you feel you are there, in the trenches and hunched over the work table.
Love what the silver music box stands for and how it’s passed from one to another over time, generation after generation.
Resourced and references listings at the end along with an author bio. Would read more from this author because they have done their homework with the facts making it an enjoyable story also.
Received this review copy via AmazonCrossing via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.