The Melody of the Soul
- Series: Music of Hope (Book 1)
- Paperback: 320 pages
- Publisher: Gilead Publishing (January 16, 2018)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1683700406
- ISBN-13: 978-1683700401
Introduction
Violinist Anna Zadok and her grandmother were the only ones remaining in their family who hadn’t been transported to a labor camp. Their being Christian didn’t matter, because by birth they were Jews, so their fate was sealed. Eventually, they would get their deportation notices.
When a Nazi moved into their flat, abject fear filled their hearts as they realized that quickly things could become dire for them.
Officer Horst Engel was opposed to having to be involved in the Nazi doings. Being forced to do his part for the Fatherland, Horst knew that he had to keep up appearances. He was moved into a new flat in Prague and discovered that a Jewish musician abode there, complicating matters. Horst soon finds rest in the strains of Anna’s music and develops a keen determination for Anna and her grandmother to survive.
Initial Thoughts
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.
Final Thoughts
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.
I will definitely read more of Liz’s books and look forward to the next in the series!
About the book:
Anna has one chance for survival-and it lies in the hands of her mortal enemy.
About the Author:
Travel back in time to 1943 and meet Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian and concert violinist whose career is ended because of Nazi occupation in Prague. Don’t miss the new historical novel, The Melody of the Soul, by Liz Tolsma. Though musical instruments have been declared illegal, Anna defiantly continues to play the violin. But Officer Horst Engel, quartered in Anna’s flat and dissatisfied with German ideology, enjoys her soothing music. When Anna and her grandmother face deportation, Horst risks everything to protect them.
Join Liz Tolsma and other bookworms for a Facebook Live event on February 6, plus enter to win Liz’s prize pack giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- One copy of The Melody of the Soul
- A garnet bracelet
- A box of Czech Republic chocolate
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 6. The winner will be announced at Liz’s Facebook Live Party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Liz and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!
RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway and Facebook Live party via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!
