Violin of Hope, by Ella Schwartz , Juliana Oakley (illustrator)

 Publication Nov. 5, 2024

Powerful. A story of family, loss, and hope. Add in redemption and the underlying theme that despite heartbreak and loss, life goes on. While obviously relating a Holocaust experience, the book makes no direct reference to the death and horror of that event, just a subtle nudge, making this an appropriate book for younger readers not quite ready to grasp the full picture of that era. 

It's quite effective and poignant in its simplicity. It's a story told for all practical purposes from the viewpoint of a violin that was ripped from its Jewish musician owner's hands and tossed in a dark cellar. We follow its gradual deterioration. Then one day, it is found and restored by loving hands, eventually winding up in the young but talented hands of a child. Although it isn't spelled out, one tends to feel the child in question is the grandchild of the original owner. No, it doesn't spell out what happened to the grandfather but, well, adults will surely know. Children may ask, of course, opening up lines of discussion.  

Bottom line, although I admit to delaying my reading of this book for fear it would be too sad, too emotional, it's not. Instead, it's an excellent door into history for young readers. While it doesn't dwell of specifics or the tragedy of the Holocaust, it's a heartfelt, beautiful story, one gently told. I particularly liked learning that it was inspired by the genuine organization that restores old instruments. The author herself is the grandchild of Holocaust survivors, bringing this full circle. The illustrations are simple, not distracting from the basic story, yet help convey the emotions of the various hands the violin passes through, beginning with and ending with loving hands. My sincere thanks to #NetGalley and #LernerPublishgGroup - #Kar-BenPublishing for allowing me this early look at the wonderfully done book of hope.