The Butterfly and the Violin

I read World War II lit because....
My Dad served
His two brothers served
The husbands of three of Mama's sisters served--one of them was one of the first Americans to see a concentration camp
Mama's only brother was in a supportive industry
There are things that happened in World War II that are not only horrific, but they should never be forgotten.

On Facebook there is a group called Avid Readers of Christian Fiction and someone read The Butterfly and the Violin and recommended very highly. When I looked at my list, it was on my "read and review" list and I was thrilled.

This is one of the most beautiful stories I've read in a long time. It has its horrors and its brutality of the Third Reich, but it has the beauty of classical orchestra music in the most varied of settings. It has the heart of the musicians in some of the worst situations this world has ever known and it has the pathos of sacrifices the musicians made.

This is a parallel story: Adele and Vladimir during World War II and Sera and William in the present day. Kristy Cambron has woven the stories together so seamlessly that they meld together in a tapestry so beautiful it won't be forgotten soon. Sera is an art gallery owner in New York who has seen the painting of Adele and wants to know more. She wants to fill in all the gaps in her knowledge of Adele and Vladimir, to find the painting and see it one more time, and to find peace. William needs the painting because his grandfather's will leaves his whole estate to the owner of the painting. William hires Sera to help him find the original of the copy he has. Their research takes them farther and farther into Adele's and Vladimir's stories.

I can't in good conscience give any more details of the story because that would require me to spoil the story. I just can't do that. Here's what I will say:

Kristy Cambron has done her research well--the descriptions of the concentration/labor camps leave the reader wondering at the depths of human depravity.
Kristy has also developed her characters into full-fledged, three dimensional people. They have flaws, they have trust issues with others and with God, and they have strengths that are on human terms unfathomable.

Even though her story line bounces back and forth between the 1940's and present day, it is easily followable, and it sucks the reader in and doesn't let go until the very last line.

The butterfly from the title comes from Vladimir's nickname for Adele and from the hairclip he gave her to remind her of his love for her.

Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a painting that will move your soul.

This novel was provided to me by Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honet review. The opinions are mine, and no remuneration was given for any part of this.