Synopses & Reviews
A stirring testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of music, Violins of Hope tells the remarkable stories of violins played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust and of the Israeli violinmaker dedicated to bringing these inspirational instruments back to life.
The violin has formed an important aspect of Jewish culture for centuries, both as a popular instrument with Jewish classical musicians and as a central part of social life, as in the Klezmer tradition. But during the Holocaust, the violin assumed extraordinary roles within the Jewish community. For some musicians, the instrument was a liberator; for others, it was a savior that spared their lives. For many, the violin provided comfort in mankind's darkest hour, and, in at least one case, a violin helped avenge murdered family members. Above all, the violins of the Holocaust represented strength and optimism for the future.
Today, these instruments serve as powerful reminders of an unimaginable experience—they are memorials to those who perished and testaments to those who survived. In this spirit, renowned Israeli violinmaker Amnon Weinstein has devoted the past twenty years to restoring the violins of the Holocaust as a tribute to those who were lost, including four hundred of his own relatives. Behind each of these violins is a uniquely fascinating and inspiring story. Juxtaposing these narratives against one man's harrowing struggle to reconcile his own family's history and the history of his people, this insightful, moving, and achingly human book presents a new way of understanding the Holocaust.
"Grymes traces the beautiful and haunting history of violins played by Jews in the Holocaust. Each chapter is dedicated to one violin and its players, places, and how it eventually came into the hands of Israeli violinmaker and repairman Amnon Weinstein. Across the board, the violins aided someone's survival or made their life more bearable. In Auschwitz, SS members formed orchestras for entertainment from the prisoners there. Often players received special treatment from the guards. They noted, 'We played music for sheer survival. We made music in hell.' It was by no means a guarantee of survival, and some orchestras were gassed immediately after their set. But some of the stories are accounts of hope, education, and joy. In the backwoods of Norway, the conductor Ernst Glaser headed an initiative where he played for the Norwegian resistance movement, hiding out in the wilderness to relay Norwegian history and pride. Motele Schlein's story describes using his musical prowess to sneak into an SS party and plant bombs. Motele muses, 'I'll play so well tonight, that you'll be blown apart dancing.' The accounts are unembellished, with plain, yarn-spinning language. They breath new life into history. (Aug.) Falling Into Heaven: A Skydiver's Gripping Account of Heaven, Healings, and Miracles Mickey Robinson BroadStreet, $14.99 trade paper (256p) ISBN 978-1-4245-4945-0 As a 19-year-old skydiver, Robinson survived a plane crash but sustained major injuries, nearly all of which should have been fatal. Yet he lived to tell the story of his near-death visit to heaven, the visions of his own future that he experienced there, and the many developments that confused and astonished doctors as his healing defied medical expectations. He also tells of a second spiritual encounter with Jesus after his accident, and weaves in much information about how the 1960s set the stage for his own journey back to faith. While Robinson's descriptions of the sociopolitical ferment of the era provide good context for understanding his spiritual journey, the historical background is heavy at times. Much of the book's success may ultimately hinge on whether readers find Robinson's descriptions of his visions and the instantaneous healings he experienced credible. Unlike other books that have become bestsellers in the genre, the focus of Robinson's story is less on the inspirational lessons of his experience and more on a recounting of what actually happened to him. This adds little to an overpublished topic. (Sept.)" Publishers Weekly Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
“Violins of Hope is a work of research and scholarship that forms one of the most moving chronicles in the history of Western music. James A. Grymes has earned our plaudits and praise, and deserves our everlasting gratitude.” John Williams, Oscar-winning composer of the score for < em=""> Schindler's List < m="">
“The cruelties of the Third Reich have been well-documented in countless Holocaust studies. This report contemplates the crimes of the Nazis from a special point of view. A special Holocaust study of the unique link that violins, klezmer or classical, have continuously had with the Jewish spirit.” < em=""> Kirkus Reviews < m="">
“When you think of ‘music history, you probably think of something dry, cold, and unemotional. Music historian James A. Grymes will change your mind with his book, which focuses on violins during the time of the Holocaust, and how they inspired comfort, hope, andperseverance.” < em=""> Westchester Magazine < m="">
“Grymes traces the beautiful and haunting history of violins played by Jews in the Holocaust. …. The accounts are unembellished, with plain, yarn-spinning language. They breathe new life into history.” < em=""> Publishers Weekly < m="">
About the Author
James A. Grymes is an internationally respected musicologist and a critically acclaimed author. He is a professor of musicology at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.