This is such an emotional and beautiful story. The exploration of music, love, nationalism, joy, and freedom was exquisite.

This book is a beautiful exploration of music, love, and connection through both conflict and time. Rei/Jacque’s long journey to heal after his traumatic separation from his father and homeland through music and a broken violin is poetically tragic and hopeful. Though the story seems like it will be rather straightforward at first, it soon becomes clear that it will be a unique exploration of ideas through the characters’ experiences. Despite that, the story is well balanced and nothing overstays its welcome. Though some readers might find it a little long-winded, I thoroughly enjoyed this piece and would recommend it to any lover of music.

What started as a peaceful night of friendship and music turns into Rei’s worst nightmare as the Japanese military police barge in and take Rei’s father away. This fateful night in 1938 was the last time Rei ever saw him. With nothing but father’s smashed violin, Rei leaves for France with his father’s friend to start a new life. Despite spending his life studying music and becoming a luthier, Rei still hasn’t been able to come to terms with his past or repair the hopelessly damaged violin. But when a violinist with connections to Rei’s past shows up in 2003, it might just be the opportunity Rei needs to truly heal.

This story is beautifully poetic while also being very direct in its commentary on conflict, connection, community, and so much more. Going in, I thought this book to be more character focused and in a sense it was, but it definitely departs from what you might expect. In a way that is similar to The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho, it is more about the philosophy and messages shared through Rei’s experiences rather than focusing on Rei’s deep personal development. I love books that manage to take me on that kind of journey and this one was an unexpected treat. The fact that so much of it is centered around music made it all the more delightful.

What an absolutely incredible book. I have enjoyed Japanese fiction that has links to music and instruments, such as Murakami generally and more specifically Ryka Aoki and Natsu Miyashita (both focus on the violin too).

I adored the flow of the book and how it uncovered more and more of the outcome of such a horrific event in real human terms, good and bad. The way the writer details everything, paints such a beautiful, vibrant and vivid picture it is a book I will never forget.

I loved it and will read it again!

An amazing anti-war, anti-imperialism novel set in Japan before and during WWII and in France post war. I was overwhelmed by the sorrow and broken feelings of the 11-year-old child Rei as he witnessed and heard his father being arrested and his father's beloved French violin smashed by the boots of a Japanese corporal.

I found the story moving yet quite sentimental, as it links classical music, its performance on stringed instruments, and the memories Rei has of his father who disappeared after being arrested. I thought it fitting that Rei becomes a maker and restorer of violins in his own shop in France, where he was raised by a French couple who were friends with his absent father Yu.

Rei spends his life trying to overcome the fractured soul he had become from his memories of the violence to his father as well as to his father's beloved violin. How he heals is a story that is eventually soothing, as he connects with others in his past, receiving and sharing information that heals all the people who share his distress.

Good story, along with good writing. This has been out for 2 years, and has lots of helpful reviews already, so I'll just recommend it to historical fiction fans.

I really appreciate the free review copy for review!!

Fractured Soul is a breathtaking novel taking place in a world torn apart by world, following the journey of a young child, Rei, who escapes a raid with only his father's shattered instrument to remember him. I wasn't sure where this book would take me, but I was enthralled by the weaving together of narratives, stories and music that helps Rei throughout the rest of his life.