A powerful love story in which one woman’s quest for identity and healing also becomes the single way she can honour her grandparents, whose lives were irreversibly shattered by the Holocaust. Perfect for readers of Anna Funder and Megan Rogers.
It’s 1989 and for a young Jewish-Australian violinist, a scholarship to Berlin is the chance of a lifetime. Germany is on the verge of change as the wall is torn down, and Susanna is swept along by the tumultuous event. Under the careful guidance of Stefan Heinemeyer, her renowned violin teacher and the grandson of a Nazi, she begins a composition in memory of her grandmother, Mirla, who died in the Buchenwald concentration camp during the Second World War, and Susanna is inspired to retrace Mirla’s final footsteps.
It’s a journey that reconnects Susanna to her heritage and propels her musical gift to extraordinary heights. Yet as a forbidden yearning for Stefan begins to unfurl, Susanna’s life is forever changed, and the repercussions will echo through decades and across continents.
In a world where history, society and inherited traumas threaten to silence Susanna and prevent her from ever becoming her true self, can she find the courage to reclaim her power as a woman, a musician, and a composer, and in so doing, lay her haunted past to rest?
Buy a copy of The Girl with the Violin here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
The Girl with the Violin by Shelley Davidow is an emotionally written historical fiction novel. The story focuses on a young violinist, Susanna, who arrives in Berlin, Germany to fulfil her musical dreams. The characters were well written and I felt immersed in Susanna’s heartbreak, romance, vulnerability and life journey. It was a moving read that I recommend to lovers of historical fiction. I look forward to reading more works by Shelley Davidow. 5 Stars! Brittany, VIC, 5 stars
As I always enjoy novels about the Holocaust, despite being sad and depressing, this book did not disappoint. Loved the way it was set in the now but references to the past. A poignant and thought provoking read that will please many. Jenny, VIC, 5 stars
I was kept guessing by the frequent plot twists, that I could not imagine. A good read, and clearly written. Claire, VIC, 5 stars
A powerful emotional historical fiction that I truly adore, I honestly felt like I was going along with Susanna in the events that unfold for her in the story feeling connected to what she felt and how the past could also change the present. It was interesting to also learn a little German as well as my Muttersprache (Mother tongue) is English. The information in it as well about Berlin and what happened in Germany back in world war II was interesting to read about. Mary, VIC, 5 stars
The Girl With the Violin by Shelley Davidow was an absolute amazing read. I just love watching the main character Susanna navigate the highs and lows of life. The dramas of injustice, heartbreak of love, and like many of us, get sidetracked by life. This book has a juicy strong story line throughout it . Yet I love the historical back story of her grandmother, and the serendipitous circumstances that lead her back to her dream. Whilst it has an interesting twist at the end. Overall, just totally enjoyed this book, it was fast, interesting, just a beautiful relatable story. Fran, VIC, 5 stars
This book, “The Girl with the Violin” by Shelley Davidow, was not at all what I had expected but it completely stole my heart. It is such a beautiful story that spans across decades, full of sadness, longing, hope and love. It explores the unthinkable and unexplainable acts of human kind, generational trauma, societal expectations and the heavy load that women are expected to carry. It is a beautiful reminder that we can never truely know a persons inner truth, especially if we never ask or share. It also shows our potential as humans to love and care without judgement, to heal and to help heal. This story broke and warmed my heart and I am grateful to have read it. Chloe, VIC, 5 stars
I absolutely loved this book. I enjoyed Susanna’s journey in life, love and music, and also how her Oma’s past was included. This is only the second book I have read in many years and I couldn’t put it down! I was passionate about finding out what would happen next in Susanna’s journey and where it would take her. I absolutely loved this and will be recommending this to my work book club. Ali, QLD, 5 stars
This book is about a young Jewish/ Australian girl who goes to Germany for her music studies. This is a great drama that follows Suzanna from Germany to Australia. With a heartbreaking storyline and so well written you will want to keep turning those pages to find out if she will ever get her happily ever after. I really enjoyed this read!! Highly recommend . Judy, NSW, 5 stars
I found this book difficult to put down. Susanna’s story was an emotional, and at times heart-wrenching, journey. Shelley’s beautifully descriptive imagery made it very easy to place myself in the world of Susanna, and that of Berlin in 1989. The Girl with the Violin is a story of discovery, growth, acceptance and compassion, with love at its core. A beautifully written, and entirely engaging novel, from start to finish. Chrissie, WA, 5 stars
Shelley Davidow grabbed hold of my heart with “The Girl with the Violin”. Susanna became apart of my daily life, when I was away from my book I pondered what she might do next. I was sad to reach the last page but Susanna has not left me. I adored this story of Susanna who is a young Jewish girl with a talent for the violin. Growing up in Australia she feels her dreams of doing something great with her talent will be limited until she earns herself a scholarship to Berlin. It is there that she is to be taught by Stefan Heinemeyer who is a famous Violinist. As time goes by she finds herself drawn more and more to Stefan who is several years her senior and engaged. Stefan takes her one day to visit the concentration camp where her grandmother lost her life and this experience is made all the more amazing as Stefan is the grandson of a Nazi. Many events happen that has the end result that Susanna finds her dreams derailed. But life moves on even though she finds she can not face playing her Violin ever again. This is a must read. Annamaree, QLD, 5 stars
What a beautiful book. A tale weaving romance, ancestral history, personal history, history, music and family together in an unexpected and enjoyable way. Highly recommend Lisa, WA, 5 stars
The Girl with the Violin is a thoroughly enjoyable novel by Shelly Davidow. The Girl with the Violin as the name suggests is about a young girl who travels from Queensland to Germany to continue her music studies. While there the world is changing – she experiences her first love and the Berlin Wall comes down. It’s a novel of love, intergenerational trauma from both sides of the Holocaust and forgiveness. I would highly recommend The Girl with the Violin to those who like historical fiction and a touch of romance. Krystine, VIC, 5 stars
What a fabulous read this was. Reading about Australian born Susanna, the main character, I felt she was so very real. Initially set in Berlin in 1989, there is so much interesting information and history about the coming down of the Berlin wall and the effect it had on people living in the city. As the chapters progress the reader learns that Susanna’s own family history is directly related to Germany as her grandmother died in a concentration camp in Germany during World War Two. The story expands with Susanna continuing her violin lessons, despite a strong attraction to her male teacher Stefan, who is 17 years her senior. There are a lot of issues covered including vulnerability, relationships, sexual assault, intergenerational trauma, and family. I found it easy to follow and so enjoyable, one of those ‘just one more chapter’ novels. The writing style is beautiful and eloquent, with the reader seeing Germany and Australia through Susanna’s eyes, as if they themselves are there. The author has written a personal memoir prior to this novel, and I am looking forward to reading that in the future. A five star read for me and an author to watch for the future. Toni, QLD, 5 stars
A wonderful easy read. I loved the way this book combined history and local Queensland areas.I was able to picture the places as I read. A beautiful story with the heartache of lost young love and the joys of life. Thank you for allowing me to read this before printing. I really enjoyed it Michelle, QLD, 5 stars
From time to time we are gifted with a book that is so beautifully written is akin to a work of art. The Girl with the Violin is one such book. It is a love story, just waiting for you to turn that first page and become immersed. A story which is a cycle of love and loss, of success and failure, of perseverance and endurance and ultimately of hope and forgiveness – I dare you to put it down once you start. Jane, NSW, 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book, it was full of surprises and I could relate to quite a few things that the character went through and gave me food for thought on my own history. I loved how she incorporated history with her present time and her story telling really takes you there and fills your own imagination with what it would have been like. Shelley is an excellent story teller and the way she weaves the characters into the story and creates drama but solutions in the end too, leaves you feeling like no matter what you go through life, it is worth living, with all the ups and downs we all face.A love story with a whole lot more. Finding oneself again is the key to being happy. Linda, VIC, 5 stars
This book made me cry. It is so beautifully written. Susanna falls in love in Germany, with both the country and her violin teacher. It is the time of the Berlin Wall falling and she’s swept up in the excitement. A young Jewish-Australian girl who plays the violin exquisitely and is moved to write a composition telling the story of her grandmother who died in Buchenwald. She is immersed in a romance with her violin teacher when circumstances force her to return to Australia. The author draws Susanna’s character so finely that I felt I knew her. I couldn’t wait to find out more about her and her life when she returned to Australia. I didn’t want this book to end, I loved it so much. It has the most perfect ending. This book will be one I return to often. Lynda, SA, 5 stars
A young Jewish Australian violinist, Susanna, is on scholarship to Berlin during 1989, when she has an illicit love affair, which impacts her career and personal life for decades after. Davidow’s skilful writing style drew me in with vivid descriptions of place and historical context and genuine depictions of Susanna’s emotional experiences, motivations and insights. I found Susanna to be a highly relatable character who grows and matures. I felt her emotions and worried about the impact of her actions, especially her vulnerability as a young woman in a love affair with power imbalance. The story explores interesting universal themes of romantic love, marriage, parenthood and how women’s choices affect their opportunities. Themes of intergenerational trauma and Holocaust memory are also explored. The historical contexts of 1989 German re-unification and Susanna’s research of her grandmother’s Holocaust story appealed to my interest in how ordinary people’s lives are affected by significant political events. The twists and turns that Susanna’s life takes also make for eventful reading. The girl with the violin is an engaging and thought provoking read. Barbara, NSW, 5 stars
The Girl with the Violin by Shelley Davidson is a book I feel so lucky to have found. The roots of its core are bonded by family and music which are so tenderly and heartbreakingly told. A romance that will sweep you up all while imagining the beautifully composed music and settings. This is one of those full circle stories, the romance is captivating, a true love story that will leave you inspired. It’s one of those books you will often think of long after placing it back onto the bookshelf. Beautifully written transversing time, history, love and violins, this healing story will leave a lasting impression. Cathy, QLD, 5 stars
I loved this book so much and found it hard to put down. I loved the the way the author wrote the main character Susanna’s grandmother into the story with the parallels in their lives. With all the highs and at times tragic lows Susanna went through it kept you wondering just what would happen next and if there would be a happy ending. This book was beautifully written and I look forward to reading more from this great author. Karen, VIC, 5 stars
The Girl with the Violin! Wow what a beautiful moving story. The story follows a young Jewish girl Susanna as she finds and reconnects to her families background in Germany. Throughout her journey she learns to play the violin from a man who is a Grandson of a former Nazi. Lots of emotional experiences are encountered throughout Susanna’s journey as she excels in her musical gift of the playing of the violin. A truly moving beautiful story where Susanna finds herself, her heritage and is able to lay her haunted past to rest. Christine, QLD, 5 stars
This is beautiful book that perfectly captures the passion between Susanna and her music, and the different relationships she has with those around her. Even for someone not usually into classical music I felt a true appreciation for the violin through the way the book takes you on the journey but also teaches you a thing or two! Pamela, SA, 5 stars
Susanna, the main character, takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster. Traversing time from the holocaust to the present day, the story draws on the strength of her Jewish ancestry. A touching and heartfelt love story. Dianne, WA, 5 stars
If you love people stories and relationships then this is definitely worth a read! Susanna is infatuated with her Berlin violin teacher. The desires and thoughts in her mind create a slow climax of what will happen in the first part of this interlude. The music in her heart is all a flutter. However there are other peoples opinions and actions which cause her dreams to become shattered. Her violin is her only bond and belonging to everything but will betrayal end it all? Susanna gives us a journey of her life stifled by her own decision not to free her mind of past actions. I like the strong connection with her grandpa. She will relive the past to heal her heart but first she will suffer to realise her wrongs. A story of personal life lessons in relationships. Della, VIC, 5 stars
I was swept along with The Girl with the Violin. Shelley has managed to paint her characters with love, longing, despair and hope. I thought ‘Grumpy Gramps’ was a lovely character and hope he was modelled on someone from Shelley’s life. History background of different places and times bought a fullness to this novel. I’m not a great lover of romance novels but jumping over those parts was easy and did not spoil my enjoyment of the novel. I also must admit everything was predictable which wasn’t a bad thing as I felt in sync with the author. Thank you Shelley. I could ‘feel your heart’ behind your words. It was beautiful. Sharon, ACT, 5 stars
Music and passion intertwine in this absorbing story of a highly driven young violinist who travels from Australia to Berlin in 1989 to study with the violin teacher she has always admired and secretly desired. Stefan Heinemeyer is 17 years her senior, but the age difference falls away the more time they spend together creating music. I like the way that Davidow also interweaves a historical element to the love story. There is a past connection between the two in that Susanna’s grandmother Mirla, a Jew, died in the Buchenwald concentration camp. In shame, Stefan reveals that his grandfather was a Nazi officer at that camp, possibly at the same time. Can their love reconcile their pasts? Life for the two does not flow smoothly. But instead of bitterness, Davidow shows how human beings can reach their best selves through kindness and forgiveness. It is a moving story. Helen, SA, 5 stars
Just loved this book…layer upon layer is revealed as you get further into it. An unexpected ending… never the less a happy one for Susanna who surely deserved it. This book will be a winner! Jenny, VIC, 5 stars
From the opening paragraph, though the first few pages, I was enthralled. By the end of the first chapter I was hooked. There is so much to love in this book. As well as a compelling story, the history of the era is thoroughly researched. The book opens with the demolition of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The vivid description of this evening is so realistic, it could only have been written by someone who’d experienced the actual event. The Story leads us from Berlin, to the Buchenwald, where her Jewish Grandmother died in the Holocaust 45 years ago, back to Australia where her path takes an unexpected turn, and we see how her life continues as a wife, mother and musician. I loved this book, and found it difficult to put aside, rushing back to continue at every opportunity. I’ll happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys fiction based on historic events. Jude, NSW, 5 stars
This novel hits some familiar beats, but I found it remarkably moving. Although some plot points are familiar, they’re put together in a way that feels fresh and original. The novel is complex and each element is interwoven with many others. The writing style is easy to read, and the plot easy to follow, but in many places it is emotionally wrenching to read. I empathised very strongly with Susanna. She’s a strongly drawn character, and we understand each of her decisions. Many readers will feel that they would have behaved in a very similar fashion. Her emotional journey is incredibly understandable, and ultimately satisfying. We see through Susanna’s eyes, so other characters are more lightly sketched. However, they still come to life, and are vivid and believable. This drew one of the more vivid impressions of intergenerational trauma that I’ve ever seen, specifically that of Jews who lost relatives to the Holocaust. It would be worth reading just for that, but this novel has much more to offer. Despite being an emotionally challenging novel, I enjoyed this. The vivid characters and strong plot, along with a strong sense of reality, made it a really good reading experience. Lorraine, ACT, 5 stars
This was one of those books that you cannot put down.Kept me intrigued from start to finish. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Sharon, NSW, 5 stars
Be prepared to go on a journey with Susanna when you delve into ‘The girl with the violin’. From the very first page, you are transported into Susanna’s world, full of excitement, love, despair, enlightenment and Lebensschmerz. Susanna’s life moves between Australia and Germany in a way that seems to flow and grow as her life changes. You will experience her highs and lows, feeling as though you are there, with her, to experience it all. A thoroughly mesmerising novel that will have you hunting out Shelley Davidow’s other narratives so you can again delve into one of her fictional worlds. Suzanne, VIC, 5 stars
I absolutely loved this! The novel centres around Susanna, a young Australian violinist and opens in Berlin the night of the fall of the Berlin Wall. It is also a story of the Holocaust and the sense of despair as well as the shame that existed in Germany. The author did a great job of bringing Berlin to life and the sense of euphoria. Susanna seems destined for an amazing future until everything irrevocably changes and she flees home to Australia. She is forced to forge a new path for herself. Interwoven with Susanna’s story is that of her Grandmother who was sent to Ravensbruck and then Buchenwald. Some of the descriptions of what took place were hard to read. But the author does this sensitively. The book also speaks about music and musicians beautifully. There are some wonderful scenes throughout the book, all written in poetic-like language. This is a book about love, longing, intergenerational trauma, healing and hope. Highly recommend. Kecia, NSW, 5 stars
Absolutely loved this book. A love story like no other l have read. The history of Susanna’s family in Germany and how the Jews were treated was horrific. She never forgot her first love and l loved the twist at the end. I would recommend this book to anyone. A novel l couldn’t put down so a couple of late nights. Kaye, VIC, 5 stars
If ever a book got my whole attention from beginning to end, it was ‘The Girl With the Violin”.. I loved this story. Susanna is with her violin teacher, Stefan Heinemeyer, at one of the most remembered event in ‘modern history’.. the destruction of the Berlin Wall… She has come from the Queensland Conservatorium in Brisbane to the International Academy of Music in Berlin having been granted a scholarship. She has longed to be in the country of her departed grandmother, a victim of the pogrom against the Jews. Gramps fled with her mother, then just a baby, after her Oma spoke against the Nazis. No records were available, maybe Susanna would find more while in Germany. Her development as a musician and as a woman is intriguing. The whole story develops like a perfect composition of music, of frustration, of love, of self awareness.. it entices the reader to want more. Definitely a book to be reread. Chris, QLD, 4 stars
Every one of these stories is so important at to remind us that this can be “NEVER AGAIN”! Shelley Davidow has captured the readers attention through a connection to her grandmother, so deep and ingrained, even surpassing the distance of death and generations apart. A coming of age story with a character facing very difficult situations and emotions with maturity far exceeding her years. Enjoyable read that helped me understand more about Germany and the segregation of the East and West. Julie, VIC, 4 stars
The Girl with the Violin is an emotional historical fiction which is set around our main character Susanna and her life. It was a beautiful story which kept me hooked in throughout. I love reading historical fiction and this did not disappoint. Definitely recommend if you are a fan of the genre. I look forward to reading more of Shelley’s writing in the future. Amanda, VIC, 4 stars
This was a great story of love and the power of music. The story was so emotive and really made me feel like I was on location with them in Berlin. Amy, WA, 4 stars
The Girl with the Violin is a love story but also much more than that. I found the description of the period of the Fall of the Berlin Wall fascinating as it is a time not often touched on. The characters were relatable and the division of the story into three parts worked well. Tracy, WA, 4 stars
Thanks to Better Reading, I won a copy of The Girl With The Violin by Shelley Davidow. Certainly not my usual go to genre but I absolutely enjoyed it. Storyline easy to follow which meant it was hard to put down. Highly recommend even if it’s not your usual genre. Sheree, NSW, 4 stars
This was a very good book enjoyed it from start to finish. Sharon, NSW, 4 stars
Berlin and the wall is about to fall. I felt the excitement, crush of the crowd, and of history being made. I was hooked. From there the story of Susanna unfolds – a gifted Jewish-Australian violinist studying at the Berlin Academy under violin maestro, Stefan Heinmeyer. It’s told from Susanna’s point of view and spans three stages of her life. Berlin 1989, return to Australia in 1990 until the time she revisits Berlin in 2019. A story of love, heartbreak, search for identity and family history, and, ultimately, healing. Davidow must have done a lot of research for this story and it shows in the powerful writing. The pain and horror suffered those in Nazi concentration camps and post war guilt many German felt about their ancestors. Loved the way Susannah’s grandmother’s story touches Stefan’s history. It completes their story nicely. In essence it’s a story of 3 great loves. I cried. I laughed. I loved this Historical fiction and can’t wait to read more by Davidow. Pamela, QLD, 4 stars
“The girl with the violin,” by Shelley Davidow is a poignant tale that ties the threads of the horror of the Holocaust to the future generations. It is a sweeping saga about the protagonist, Susanna, a young Australian Jewish violinist who travels to Berlin and meets her violin teacher, Stefan Heinemeyer, a much older charismatic man. As the story unfolds, echoes of the past reach out to touch Susanna and Stefan and their lives are never the same again. There are other characters in the novel who are richly drawn out by the author and add to the tapestry of all that unfolds. Shelley Davidow has woven fact with fiction and has created a novel that illuminates a path between darkness and light, happiness and sadness. Highly recommend. Susan, NSW, 4 stars
In 1989 20 year old violinist Susanna Friedman travels from Australia to Germany on a scholarship to study music. As the Berlin wall falls Susanna writes a piece of music dedicated to her Grandma who died in Buchenwald Concentration Camp. The music allows her to travel the country playing with the Philharmonic orchestra. Germany is also where Susanna falls madly in love with her teacher; Stefan Heinemeyer. The Girl With The Violin is the story of how Susanna and Stefan’s forbidden love shapes Susanna’s life. The book was beautifully written and had me invested in Susanna, I just had to know how her story would end. I had certain expectations of where I thought the story was going and multiple times it went in a different direction which surprised and delighted me as Shelley Davidow’s version fit more perfectly than I could have imagined. A wonderful love story with strong Kristin Hannah vibes. Ellen, VIC, 4 stars
Shelley Davidow’s The Girl With the Violin takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. Davidow’s nuanced writing style emulates that of the classical symphonies referenced throughout the piece. Susanna, a 20-year-old Australian girl with an incredible gift for the violin, finds herself with the opportunity to study abroad in Berlin. Set in November of 1989 as the Berlin Wall is demolished, she finds herself a professor who takes an interest in mentoring and honing her natural ability. While in Germany, Susanna takes the chance to delve into the depths of the heartbreaking history her family endured during the Holocaust. She finds a connection to her grandmother that she feels must be expressed through her music. As Susanna stands on the precipice of all her dreams coming true, in one instance, everything comes crashing down. Much like the citizens in Berlin after the wall comes down, Susanna has to pick herself up from the rubble of her shattered dreams and find a way to live in her new reality back home in Australia. This study of love, loss, heartbreak, betrayal, rebuilding, and forgiveness is poignantly and masterfully written. Jamye, VIC, 4 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, found it easy to read and even though it took me a little while to become engaged with the characters , once I was, I found it hard to put down. It was a moving love story with history and music entwined. Quite emotional and confronting at times, especially descriptions of the events of the holocaust. The only negative was the German words used randomly throughout the first section when Susanna was in Germany. I found it interrupted the flow of the story and was unnecessary. First time I have read a novel by this author but will be searching her other titles to read. Karen, NSW, 4 stars
The Girl with the Violin written by Shelley Davidow is a powerful and emotional book. The book tells the story of a women who is searching for herself while trying to honour her Jewish grandparents who were affected by the Holocaust. Heather, NSW, 4 stars
I have not read any other books written by Shelley Davidow but after reading this book I am definitely interested in reading some of her back catalogue. The book opens in West Berlin on 9 November, 1989; the day the Berlin Wall came down. The story describes the life of a young Jewish-Australian violinist Susanna, who is in Berlin on a scholarship at the International Academy of Music. The book is written in Movements just as music is written. The first movement details Susanna’s life in Berlin and the second movement details Susanna’s life when she returns to Brisbane, Australia. Whilst in Germany, Susanna retraces her late grandmother Mirla’s steps during the Second World War (Marla died in the Buchenwald concentration camp); and is inspired to compose a piece, Buchenwald, which impresses her violin teacher, Herr Heinemayer. A passionate affair between the two changes Susanna’s life forever with the repercussions travelling across continents and decades. I particularly liked the characters of Susanna, Stefan Heinemayer, Eva a German woman who was friends with Mirla, Gramps (Susanna’s grandfather and husband of Mirla) and Ajay (Adam Aarons). Themes in the book cover trauma and loss, geographical displacement and at the heart of everything love. This book is very easy to read and kept me engaged from beginning to end. Overall I found The Girl with the Violin a very enjoyable and interesting read. Toni, SA, 4 stars
A love story for the ages. The Girl with the Violin is beautifully written and draws you in from the first page. Susanna is a young, talented, Australian violinist on scholarship in Berlin. This is a story about first love, timing, complicated feelings, forgiveness, passion and how life tends to come full circle. Shelley Davidow reminds us that our family’s history can impact our present. This is a book that shows us that the person who causes damage to one’s heart is in fact the only one who can truly repair it. A great read. Belinda, NSW, 4 stars
The Girl with the Violin by Shelley Davidow is a powerful and moving tale that is sure to captivate readers. It’s a terrific novel that weaves together themes of love, identity, and historical reckoning. Set in 1989, the story follows Susanna, a young Jewish-Australian violinist who secures a scholarship to Berlin, arriving just as the Berlin Wall is about to fall. Germany’s political transformation sets the stage for Susanna’s personal journey, one marked by a deep connection to her family’s tragic history. Under the mentorship of Stefan Heinemeyer, a celebrated violin teacher and grandson of a Nazi, Susanna embarks on a profound musical journey. She begins composing a piece of music in memory of her grandmother, Mirla, who perished in Buchenwald as a way to understand her heritage and honour her grandparents journey. The novel beautifully captures Susanna’s internal struggle as she confronts inherited trauma and societal pressures. Shelley Davidow’s narrative is both compelling and lyrical, making The Girl with the Violin a powerful story about reclaiming one’s identity and voice against the backdrop of history’s darkest chapters. This novel is beautifully written and a testament to the enduring power of music and memory. A truly unforgettable read that will stay with you long after the final page. Antony, VIC, 4 stars
The novel is beautifully written and explores themes of love, music and resilience. The main character Susanna travels to Berlin on a violin scholarship, where she falls in love with her teacher which alters the direction of her life forever. The transformative power of music will stay with you long after you compete the novel. Nektaria, VIC, 4 stars
The Girl with the Violin by Shelley Davidow is a deeply emotional and sensitive historical artistic fiction. I enjoyed how the story throws light on the Holocaust, the narrative is real and gritty, with vivid details of loss, pain, grief, strength, resilience, triumphs, and disappointments. The love and the family bonding are palpable in the author’s words, as she seamlessly weaves generations. Davidow catches the reader’s attention from the opening paragraph to the very last page of the book and holds the reader spellbound. Shelley uses her characters to her best advantage to keep the reader interested. She has a true talent for capturing emotion through every moment of Susanna ‘s journey. I could tell the author took a great deal of time researching the era, and that is something I always appreciate in a historical novel. This book is well worth more than one read and should have pride of place on anyone’s bookshelf. I highly recommend to those that enjoy this genre. Melissa, SA, 4 stars
This one was a bit of a slow burn for me. The story starts in 1989 where a young Jewish-Australian Susanna has taken a life changing scholarship in Berlin playing her beloved violin. Under the guidance of her renowned teacher Stefan, Susanna begins to compose a piece in remembrance of her grandmother Mirla, who died in a concentration camp, at the hands of the Nazis in WWII. Susanna takes a journey that leads her through her Jewish past, making her music more powerful as her passions and experiences seep into it. A decision made, changes Susanna’s life as her past threatens to take everything she has ever worked for and loved away from her. An easy read with a lot of historical events throughout. Suzie, WA, 3 stars
I loved the premise of writing about a young woman’s self-discovery journey as her musical talent also matures. The prose is beautifully written and really captures the immaturity of the main character at the beginning and her growth through the years. The only issue I had was how the story spent so long on the start on a short period of time and within a blink of an eye- a lifetime had passed. I felt a little cheated in that instance as though there was a word limit and the last of an otherwise great story was rapidly condensed to tie up loose ends. Fran, NSW, 3 stars
This book captures the essence of love and heartbreak, family and passion. Shelley Davidow did a wonderful job of describing Berlin in the late 80s, and an even better job of eliciting the power of music. I wish there was a soundtrack to go with the novel. I feel like a lot of people could relate to Suzanna, and her story hooks you from beginning to end. Alexandra, TAS, 3 stars
The Girl With the Violin is a lovely story. It is very well written, very descriptive and keeps you guessing how it’s going to turn out, right to the very end. I highly recommend this book, it is a great read. The historical events throughout, elevates the novel even more and you can feel the passion the author is trying to portray throughout. It certainly captures different emotions, such as belonging, heartache, happiness and would certainly relate to a lot of readers. Katrina, TAS, 3 stars
The Girl with the Violin, by Shelley Davidow, is an interesting story which starts in 1989 during the fall of the Berlin Wall. The story spans generations, two continents, and many decades. Young Jewish Australian violinist Susanna is on a music scholarship in Berlin during a period of tremendous change for the city, and also herself. Susanna’s life is forever changed by events that unfold during her time in Berlin and her personal choices once back in Australia. I couldn’t warm to Susanna, I found her overindulged by those around her, self-centred and oblivious to the impact she had on others. Other characters, with one or two exceptions, were interesting and likeable, particularly Josephine and Gramps. The novel, once I got into it, wasn’t so much a ‘great love story’ as a great study into the intergenerational impact of the Holocaust, and the timeless complexities of love. I enjoyed being carried along with the emotions and upheaval during the fall of the Berlin Wall at the beginning of the novel, which was very realistic, and had hoped it was a sign of the story to follow. Sandra, NSW, 3 stars
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