This book had me in tears throughout most of it. It was both beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. I had never heard this story, so it was a cool lens to look at this time period through.

All I can say is WOW! This book is based on a true story of violinist Alma Rose during WWII. The story is beautifully written and full of heartache. Make sure to have your tissues at the ready for this tragic but wonderful story.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this advanced readers copy. This book released in November 2020.

Alma Rosé is a great violinist in Austria. But she is also Jew, so they lock her in Auschiwitz.
She must learn new rules and to survive there.
"Such information could turn out to be life-saving in her nearest future."
In fact "the camp was a ruthless teacher. There were only two choices - to adapt or to perish."
Thi is a true story, from which the reader can read, learn, feel how Alma constantly wars to live and help others with her music.
What a dark years for Europe. We citizens of Europe must remember and teach new generations to be kind each other.

Sorry publisher, 8 did try and read this, but i found it just too grim and particularly during the pandemic as tough read, so i gave up. I will try again when my mood is a bit brighter, it certainly is very engaging and well written.

This was the incredibly moving story of Alma Rosé, a Viennese violinist, who after a successful music career in Europe, was sent to Auschwitz because of her Jewish ancestry. This book was riveting. The story was intimate, thought provoking, and utterly horrifying.

The story of Alma Rosé was based on history. She was a real life character who, because she was so gifted, was able to save and protect her orchestra members and staff. She knew Eichmann and Mengele and witnessed their atrocities as well as the everyday camp occurrences of starvation and cruelty. She used her wit and intellect in that despicable place to protect others.

This was a powerful book, and I highly recommend it. We owe it to humanity to understand what happened, that it may never occur again.

This ebook was supplied by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Music. Peace. Serenity. A world, in which a place like Auschwitz didn’t have the moral right to exist.

“The Violinist of Auschwitz is a novel inspired by the true story of Alma Rosé, the famous Viennese violinist virtuoso and the conductor of the Birkenau women’s orchestra. She was in charge of the camp orchestra for less than a year, but it was thanks to her skillful interactions with high-ranking SS members of the camp administration that the girls under her charge were given more and more privileges and became such an essential part of the camp’s life that even after her death, they were spared the dreaded SS selections.” This is a direct quote from Midwood’s Epilogue and sums up the main protagonist of this historical fiction novel - Alma.

I have been reading lots of Auschwitz survivor based historical fiction recently (triggered by my enjoyment of The Tattooist of Auschwitz) and so the ever familiar stripes on the cover lured me in. I’ve now read The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Librarian of Auschwitz and now The Violinist of Auschwitz. However, this book was written from a slightly different perspective than the others and in some ways this bothered me. Alma Rose is a very fortunate prisoner at Auschwitz in that she brings with her an air of celebrity. This coupled with her obvious talent for playing the violin, allows her to secure certain privileges that others do not receive in the camp. She is granted immunity from gassing. She is given her own block , where her and her girls are allowed to have afternoon naps, warm themselves on their stove, and have private bedrooms. They even have their own wash lock and toilet facilities, and are offered square meals instead of camp coffee and bread. Despite this, there are sections where Alma turns her nose up at the situation, and even refuses to eat the food. I found this hard to believe having read other accounts of the horrific and appalling circumstances within Auschwitz. I find it hard to believe that anyone who could see others being starved to death would not savor every morsel of food they were offered. In fact, I wouldn’t have believed this was based on a true story at all until the end where the above epilogue is written. Here’s a snippet of what I’m talking about:

““Thank you, but I’m not hungry,” Alma spoke into the pillow without lifting her head. They meant well, of course, her little sparrows; they never failed to offer her a share of whatever meager provisions they were roasting on that stove, but she hardly ever accepted their generosity. “You eat; your bodies are still growing,” such was Alma’s default explanation. The truth was, most of the time, she was so sick to her stomach with this dog-like existence, her own body revolted against it, choosing to starve itself to death rather than continue to live like a slave to the Nazis.”

I also questioned her favour with Dr. Mengle and the other camp SS. There was also the predictable romance element which seems too scripted (although if it’s a true account then it cannot be).

However, despite this, I enjoyed the story and felt captured in that WW2 Auschwitz uncomfortableness that historical fiction provides. I was rooting for Alma and her girls, and enjoyed learning of their experiences. I would have liked more on the resistance work and the escape plans briefly touched upon but overall a good ww2 historical fiction.

3 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for the arc.

Based on a true story, The Violinist of Auschwitz is the story of Alma Rose, a talented Viennese violinist who used to play to audiences across the country, alongside her father. When her father was sacked from his position in the orchestra because he was Jewish, Alma removed him safely to London. But instead of staying with him, she returned to Vienna, which eventually saw her imprisoned in Auschwitz.
I love books based on real people. I also love books that are thought-provoking and evoke emotion. This book did all those things. A considerable amount of research went into the writing of this book. It is rich with detail and is not a book one should speed through. I also enjoyed the "Note on History" at the end.

I had never heard of Alma Ross or her family history and of her time in Auschwitz in 1943 but after reading this heartbreaking story about her and her music, this amazing lady will stay with me for a long time.
Ellie Midwood has bought her to life and this is based on a true story and she has delivered this in breathtaking realness through what is obviously meticulous research.

No one can imagine the absolute despicable horrors that went on and was witnessed in those death camps. Only those that were there and survived it. I found with this story as I often do when reading about what happened that I had to pause and just try to take in what was happening and the utter destruction of human life in their masses.

Alma was strong and regardless of her own safety set out to save as many people as she could from certain death and experiments. Amongst all of this horror Alma found genuine love with Miklos which was wonderful and whilst it is still not certain how Alma died I applaud the version that the author has ended with.

I will certainly be looking for more books by this author

Wow. This book is achingly beautiful and so heartbreaking. This novel is so powerful, and while sometimes difficult to read emotionally, so so important. This is the amazing story of a true hero in the worst of places, and I feel honored to have read her story. I received a free copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Oh, this book is heartbreaking, but what an impactful story! Historical fiction offers us the chance to hear the stories of people and understand just a little bit, the horrors they experienced. Even if this book makes you uncomfortable, it is something that should be read. This story focuses on Alma Rose, a violinist who led an orchestra at Auschwitz. It's a beautiful and horrific story, but it must be read.

I would recommend this book for readers that enjoy WWII historical fiction!

I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

I've always been drawn to books set amid WWII. There is just something about the richness and sorrow of that time period that pulls me in. The Violinist of Auschwitz is no exception. It was heart shattering but it was also something else. It had moments of surprising joy in the midst of all the sadness. Sometimes beauty can be found in the most unsuspecting of places. And this was the case for this novel. I would absolutely recommend this for anyone who typically reads historical fiction.

I don't want to rate this badly because it is based on a true hero....but the story itself was just meh. I have read other books centered around the Holocaust and its victims, and this book just didn't compare. It took me a while to get through it because I wasn't invested in reading about this woman or finding out what happened to her.

I really enjoyed this book. The storyline is based on the story of Alma Ross. I was captivated by her tragic story which I'm sure will stay with me a long time to come

The Violinist of Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood. Based on a true story. Alma Ross, a Viennese violinist was sent to Auschwitz in 1943. I had never heard of her and by reading her story, I saw what a strong, compassionate woman she must have been. She loved the people and tried to save them from death and torture. This was very emotional, heartbreaking and hard to read.
There is some romance, when Alma meets Miklos and falls in love. Their love is so strong that Alma can’t imagine a life without Miklos.
Alma’s story will stay with you long after you are finished reading. The SS officers are so cruel that one has to wonder how they could possibly have become that way.
The author was able to bring the horrible scenes to life. I highly recommend this book.
Thanks to NetGallery, Ellie Midwood, and Bookouture for this copy. All opinions are my own.

This is truly an incredible book. I'm exhausted today because I stayed up late into the night to finish it. I don't typically read a lot of historical fiction, but I'm fascinated by anything to do with World War II, especially the camps. This is the true story of Alma Rose, a violinist who saved many Jews from the gas chambers by creating an orchestra at Auschwitz out of any musicians she could find amongst the prisoners. She even pulled one woman straight out of the gas chamber. Some of the scenes were horrible to read, particularly the scenes which included the real-life Angel of Death, Dr. Mengele. I enjoyed the Epilogue and Author's Notes at the end of the book, which gave more insight and separated much of the truth from fiction. This was a tough but important read.

Beautiful, moving story told in rich detail. I felt like I was part of it, experiencing the story with the characters. A lyrical piece of art.

I know that many are of the opinion that if you’ve read one Holocaust novel, then surely you don’t need to read more – they must all be so similar? Well, I’ve read quite a few over the years (honestly, more than I can count) and I can genuinely say that most of them are truly unique, each with their own distinctive nuances. I learn something new from every single book, and I think that in each one, I discover something that I’ve never known before.


The Violinist of Auschwitz is no different. I had never heard of Alma Rosé, esteemed Viennese violinist, who somehow (it was almost implied to be some huge quirk of fate as she did everything to avoid it) ended up in a Nazi death camp. The book is based on Alma’s time in the camp. It briefly tells how she came to be there, but mainly focuses on what she actually managed to achieve as the conductor of the camp orchestra. Yes, there was an orchestra in the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp, and this is the first time I have read such a vivid description of what exactly such a thing would be used for. The cruelty and evil perpetrated by the Nazi’s is chillingly portrayed here, and when one reads about the various methods of deception that were used in all the different areas of camp life, it is extremely unnerving. I also haven’t read many books where such a clear distinction is made between the workings of Auschwitz and Birkenau. They are not one and the same place as many often assume. Close together, but different places with different purposes.

As the conductor of the orchestra, Alma is also bestowed with the title of Kapo over her group of charges. Initially she is resentful: she doesn’t want to use her gift to play music for murderers; the people who have ruined her life, who she sees as nothing more than animals. It’s ironic really, because this is how the Nazi’s felt about the Jews, and anyone else who didn’t share their views. I also found this a little surprising as I thought that it was generally known that the Germans (and let us remember that not all Germans were Nazi’s) considered themselves highly cultured people, especially when it came to their love of classical music and opera. Alma quickly realises though, that she wields a huge responsibility towards ‘her girls’ and she can use that to their benefit, which she does wherever and whenever she can.

Alma’s strength and bravery is astounding. The author has imagined her character, based on her extensive and thorough research, but the interactions she creates for her with the infamous Dr Mengele (and his laboratory), the head of the women’s camp, Maria Mandl, and with the high-ranking SS officers, had me holding my breath. Each time, I was positive that she had gone a step too far. But with her musical gifts she holds them all somewhat in the palm of her hand, and they grant her whatever she requests. She is a master manipulator and negotiator and immediately knows how she can use her role to its greatest advantage.

Reading Ellie Midwood’s notes at the back of the book, she talks about a film called Playing for Time, which portrays Alma’s time in Auschwitz. But she said that in the film, the characterisation is completely wrong as she comes across as cold, unemotional, self-centered and prone to hysterical and violent outbursts. It sounds like they made her out to be a typical ‘creative’! Midwood set out to dispel that notion and has softened Alma’s edges somewhat. Making use of the extensive research available to her, much of it from those who had spent time with Alma in Auschwitz, she paints a picture of someone with nerves of steel and a heart of gold. In a place where everyone was looking out for themselves, where it was easy to forget who you were, here was a woman who brought a group of people together and reminded them of their humanity and what it means to feel emotion.

I don’t want to say too much more here. This is a story that needed to be told, and I think that Alma Rosé would be immensely pleased and proud with the way that Ellie Midwood has done that. It goes without saying then, that this is most definitely a 5 star read!

And just as a brief postscript, I have to mention how much I adored Miklos. My late dad, Michael was born in Hungary. When the Nazi’s eventually arrived in Budapest, his father and older sister were sent to concentration camps, but he was still very young and stayed with his mother. They were moved into the Budapest ghetto where they remained until the end of the war. His sister survived Ravensbruk and a death march, and eventually they were reunited, but they never saw their father or most of their family, again. When my father escaped Hungary in the late 1950’s soon after the Hungarian Uprising, he arrived in England and quickly Anglicized his name. He changed his surname entirely, and so Miklos Katz became Michael Kelvin. If anyone asked, he was now English, not Hungarian (sometimes the accent did give him away!). Eventually his mother, together with his sister and her husband were able to join him. And although he did manage to completely immerse himself into an English lifestyle, somehow the name Miklos as a term of endearment, used by very close family and friends always stuck.

Thank you to Bookouture for the arc of this book by Ellie Midwood.

5 star read for me- this is the heartwarming and inspirational story about Alma Rose, which is based on her true story as she is a famous violinist who comes from Vienna, who is also a jew who got sent to Auschwitz to the experimental block in which she ended up asking for a violin in which then started this orchestra, she ended up playing for the SS Guards to the Governor of Auschwitz. By having this orchestra she helped other people escape death and even have better living conditions.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Violinist of Auschwitz is an absolutely incredible book!
This is my first book I've read by this author and I'll definitely be on the lookout for more.
I have read many books about Auschwitz . Almost all are similar detailing the abuse and mistreatment of the victims.
The Violinist of Auschwitz does this yes but it is different in the sense that it is based on research the author has painstakingly poured through about the life of a woman named Alma Rosé.
Alma was a Jewish woman and brought up in luxury, one of history’s most fearless, inspiring and courageous heroines. This woman's actions saved the lives sometimes more than once of other women in Auschwitz by having them in her orchestra.
I'll admit to having read a lot about Auschwitz but until I read The Violinist of Auschwitz I have never heard of the orchestra, performing for prisoners going to work as well as the highest-ranking Nazis.
Yes, the book is dark,at times very hard to read because of the treatment the prisoners got but I believe it should be read lest we forget this important part of our history.
The daily struggles are real, you will need your box of tissues with you.
I love the writing style presented in The Violinist of Auschwitz the author really made the story come to life.

Pub Date 18 Nov 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

A tragic story of musicians of Auschwitz being brought together and protected by professional violinist, Alma Rose.

I enjoyed this book. It was well-written and made you care about the characters. The tragedy is heartfelt and the horrors stay with you long after the book is finished. However, I had a sense of déjà vu throughout the entire book. I knew what would happen next and which characters would be involved. I have either read this book before (possibly under another name?) or one very, very, similar to it. I find this very disturbing.


I received an ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.