The Butterfly and the Violin

By: Kristy Cambron

Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik

Based on the real orchestra composed of prisoners at Auschwitz, The Butterfly and the Violin shows how beauty and hope can penetrate even the darkest corners.

Present day: Manhattan art dealer Sera James watched her world crumble at the altar two years ago, and her heart is still fragile. Her desire for distraction reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait she first saw as a young girl—a painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes.

In her search for the painting, Sera crosses paths with William Hanover—the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul—who may be the key to uncovering the hidden masterpiece. Together Sera and William slowly unravel the story behind the painting’s subject: Austrian violinist Adele Von Bron.

1942: A darling of the Austrian aristocracy, talented violinist, and daughter to a high-ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele Von Bron risks everything when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her life of prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire.

As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds beauty in the most unlikely places: the grim concentration camps of Auschwitz and the inner recesses of her own troubled heart.

“Cambron expertly weaves together multiple plotlines, timelines, and perspectives to produce a poignant tale of the power of love and faith in difficult circumstances. Those interested in stories of survival and the Holocaust, such as Eli Wiesel’s Night, will want to read.” —Library Journal, starred review

• Stand-alone World War II historical fiction
• Full-length novel, approximately 115,000 words
• Also available from Kristy Cambron: The Italian Ballerina, The Paris Dressmaker, The Lost Castle, The Ringmaster’s Wife, and The Illusionist’s Apprentice

Interesting story

This was an interesting story that held my attention. The Christian aspect of the book was not relevant for me but did not detract significantly from the storyline.

Loved this book

Wonderful story. History, art, music, death. And truth. We learn from the pass history or we repeat the horrors.

Interesting

Loved the author note at the end. I had never read anything about an orchestra in the constitution camps? Nor of the paintings . So found that very very interesting.

Excellent story

I loved the two stories going back and forth from the past during the Holocaust and present day and the relationship between the two. The characters were very real and easy to care about. It was read beautifully and it was easy to identify who was speaking. My only hesitancy is the frequent references to God and faith. I have no problem with either but it was overdone and all the main characters had the same perspective on the subject. This was a little difficult for me since half of it took place in Auschwitz. I respect that the author is a devout Christian and wanted to bring this into her book. I just think it was a little too much, especially in that setting. I will say that I loved the book and would not hesitate to recommend it.

The Butterfly and the Violin

Beauty from ashes….from the depths of despair and unimaginable horrors of war, the human spirit struggles to stay strong and find meaning. My first book by this author; 5 stars all around!