Play to the Angel

by Maurine F. Dahlberg

Austria in 1938 is under the shadow of the Nazis, but twelve-year-old Greta doesn't notice-she cares only for her piano lessons with their new neighbor, a teacher with a mysterious past. Herr Hummel believes in Greta, and she begins to prepare for a recital. Then the Nazis invade, and Greta discovers her teacher's secret. His life is in danger, and she may be the only one who can help him.

"While the unusual Holocaust setting is well drawn and rings true, this is first and foremost a novel about a girl who pursues a dream and learns to believe in herself." ( School Library Journal )

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Childrens, Music, Holocaust

185 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2000

About the author

MAURINE F. DAHLBERG is the author of Escape to West Berlin, an NCSS-CBC Notable Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, and two other novels for young readers. She lives in Springfield, Virginia.

Reviews

[Mary Herceg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Play to the Angel by Maurine Dahlberg is a wonderful portrayal of the struggles of one young girl as she grows up and fights for her dreams, and of the struggles of Austria and its people as they fight to retain their freedom and identity against Nazi Germany. The characters, relationships, suspense, setting, and historical background are vivid, real, colorful, and engaging. The themes are deep and compelling, and the plot is skillfully drawn. I love the beautiful and meaningful symbolism of the title.

I would have rated this book 4.5 stars if not for two mild things that detracted from my enjoyment--concerns orminor content. As is, it's a solid 4 stars for me.

Reading this book gives me a fabulous outline of the events of the Anschluss of Austria in 1938-39, well providing a compelling story to allow the reader to connect with history. The back. Such a good job showing what life was like in Vienna before and after the Nazi conquest, in a way that makes me feel like I am experiencing it alone with the characters, with all my senses.

Greta is a wonderful protagonist. She shines brightly and makes the book as good as it is. I love her gentleness, determination, and spunk, even as I relate to her insecurity. I adore her love of music, and it saturates every aspect of her being, in such a beautiful, real, and natural way. Her artistic view of the world influences her music, and her music influences the way she goes about life and sees the world.

I love Greta's mentor, as well, and her memories of her brother. And her mother was such a lifelike and well-developed character, as were all the others. The relationships of the book were fascinating and realistic, especially the one at the center of the book--Greta's relationship with her mother.

Greta has such a vivid voice in her first-person narration--the author is one who perfectly captures the unique protagonist, with a distinct voice for each one. Greta has a beautiful, musical way of seeing and describing the world. The word pictures and writing style were gorgeous and delicate, crisp and clear, penetrating and powerful. I swear I physically felt a painful pit in my stomach during Greta's most anxious moment before the recital she dreamed of for so long--the writing was so vivid yet understated. Maybe it reminded me of my own nervousness before so many musical performances! Throughout the book, Greta's thoughts and feelings felt real, natural, and easy to connect with. The author did a fabulous job of portraying her deep grief in a powerful yet understated way, which I really appreciated.

I really appreciated the accurate, sensitive, and enlightening portrayal of one characters severe illness and lifelong disability--as well as the protagonist's thoughts and feelings.

There were two minor instances of content or concerns that detracted slightly from my enjoyment of the book. Nothing too serious, but I could have done without them.

The first was that in one paragraph, Greta realizes that she might have a crush on her professor and piano teacher, an older man several decides her senior--though she specified that it was not the kind of crush the other girls seem to have when giggling about boys. I don't blame her for feeling admiration and affection toward her mentor, but a crush crosses the line of what I'm comfortable with. That bit of weirdness made me uncomfortable for much of the book, even though it was only explicitly stated on one page. However, there is absolutely no weirdness coming from the professor's end, and it was only Greta who saw the relationship in that way--so it was only a little uncomfortable for me. But still, it felt wrong and weird to me, in a bad way. And it detracted from my enjoyment.

The second of my concerns was something that didn't bother me for myself, but which would keep me from giving this book to a middle-school-aged boy, and even some teenagers. Greta goes with her mom to buy her first bra, and she and her mom discreetly allude to the fact that her chest is growing larger, both of which make Greta uncomfortable and a little insecure. This recurs in multiple separate pages or chapters, even if it's just stated and not dwelt on. The language is vague, and the word "breast" is never used, but anyone could figure out what they're referring too, except perhaps someone who was entirely oblivious to such things (which I couldn't imagine). There's nothing inappropriate. My concern is that it would make a younger boy think about things that would be better postponed, if he hasn't pondered them yet... For a middle grade girl, however, I would not be concerned--ir's dealt with in a very tasteful way, and girls have to deal with it themselves.

This is the second book I have read by this author, after Escape to West Berlin, and both are wonderful. I plan to read more books by the author if I can find them.

I highly recommend Play to the Angel to anyone who enjoys World War II or quality juvenile fiction historical novels.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read that kept me engaged with the struggles Greta faced after the death of her brother Kurt, who was an accomplished pianist. Greta had the same dream but her mother could not accept that concept or cared about her desire to play the piano, as she was lost in grief over Kurt. I admired the fortitude and dedication Greta had to accomplish her dream to play at her first recital. The setting in Vienna, Austria prior to the invasion of the Nazis and Hitler's control gave a vivid description of life prior and afterwards.

This was a borrowed book from a friend that knew I enjoyed historical fiction, thus no review was required. I have shared my own thoughts.

[Bronwyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

a young girl in nazi occupied austria longs to be a concert pianist like her late brother, despite her mothers opposition, so unknown to her mother she arranges for her own lessons from a man she does not know is a world famous pianist, who is living under an assumed name to escape from the nazis. then comes her first piano recital and finally risking her life to help her teacher and friend escape the country after the nazis discover his secret

[BookmarkedOne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I read this book, but I still remember some of the details so vividly. Greta's recital dress, the lack of Viennese waltzes on the radio--little images that still cling to my mind, after all this time.

It's a rather beautiful book about the invasion of Austria during WWII. But more than that, it's the story of a single girl growing up and learning who she is and who she wants to be. How to fight for her friends, and how to set the music inside her free.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a good read. I was a little bored at first, which leaves me wondering how the young reader would feel. But it is a good introduction not only to Hitler but to the far reach of "the weasel-faced little man" (pg. 12). A sweet story.

[Kaitlyn Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gentle and lovely story about a young girl coming of age during the Nazi occupation of Vienna. I loved it and would definitely give to middle schoolers to learn about the history of WWII as well as think about their own selfhood.

[Emily Zimbalatti · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one day as I was on a short car trip. The characters are so real that they jump right off the pages. A wonderful look at Pre-Nazi Austria and the relationship between mother and daughter.

[Jaina Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is also available on my blog, Read Till Dawn.

This is a beautiful book that I'd read a long time ago, but almost completely forgotten. Seeing it in a bin at a book swap, I snatched it and brought it home so I could re-read it (and also, figure out which book it was - I had it muddled up with another WWII book that I still haven't been able to track down).

It really is a great story, and even though I can never entirely relate to piano-prodigy main characters (because who'm I kidding? I am so not a piano prodigy - I quit as soon as my parents let me!), I still love reading about people like Greta who are so dedicated to their art. I also like looking at the Holocaust from different angles, and the Viennese view of events has always particularly fascinated me. I can't imagine how terrible it must have been to be one minute a safe, independent country and the next minute - to not be.

I also have a penchant for characters with Hemophilia. I know that Kurt isn't actually in the book itself (he died before the book began), but his shadow hangs over the entire story, and I appreciated getting a look at the aftermath of the tragic disease. Kurt isn't just defined by his hemophilia, though, and I thought he was pretty well-fleshed out for not even being in the book at all. Greta is very obviously heartbroken about his death, and struggles with the conflict between trying to get out from under his legacy and forge her own name, and not wanting to give him up entirely.

I can't say I'm a big fan of Greta's mother, though. Actually, I really didn't like her. I don't care if she was so broken up about Kurt's death; she shouldn't have written Greta off like that! She's so wrapped up in mourning him, and trying to get herself together enough to move past his death, that she's completely blind to all that she's missing with her daughter. I know things were hard for her, but still. Also, she thought Hitler was a good guy for most of the book! I know she didn't really understand the horrors of what he was doing, but still. Not a big draw for me.

I did love Herr Kimmel, though, and I liked how his backstory tied Greta's piano-playing together with the events that were unfolding at the beginning of WWII. I really liked the ending, when everything came together, and I closed the book with a nice satisfied feeling.

I highly recommend Play to the Angel to anyone who thinks it looks interesting, and will definitely keep it in mind going forward, as a go-to WWII book for anyone who wants a good WWII book (including younger kids not yet ready for the more gruesome books about concentration camps, Nazi cruelty, etc).

[Miss Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

gr 5-8 186 pgs


1938, Vienna, Austria. 12 year old Greta loves playing the piano more than anything else. But since the death of her older brother who was a prodigy at the piano, Greta's mother can't stand anything to do with music and is determined to sell the family's piano. Greta is determined to become a famous pianist and convinces Herr Hummel, her friend's neighbor, to give her lessons. He encourages her and wants her to perform in a recital at the Vienna Academy of Music and Performing Arts! As the story moves along, the threat that the Nazis pose to Austria grows from something distant to something very dangerous and imminent. The day of the recital everything changes as the Nazis take control of the city.

Excellent story! I think this story would appeal to all readers, but especially ones who are musicians since they would be able to identify with Greta's need to play.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in Vienna in the early months of 1938, this is a readable if slightly over-earnest story of a Greta, a 12 year old who wishes to become a pianist against her mother's wishes, and the recently arrived German retired concert pianist (with a mysterious past) who helps her. The plot is somewhat predictable to anyone with an awareness of the period -- Greta's first ever public recital is scheduled for March 12 -- but the book grew on me as I read it. It doesn't transcend the boundaries of middle grade fiction, but the details of life in Vienna and the music making were compelling, and after a rather staid start, it wound up to an exciting conclusion.

[Betty Strohecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The setting is 1938 Austria, and twelve-year-old Greta is anxious to pursue her dream of becoming a pianist. However, her mother intends to sell their piano after the death of Greta's teenage piano prodigy brother, which has sent her mother into depression. When Greta discovers their new downstairs neighbor, Herr Hummel, is a pianist, he agrees to give her lessons. But these are dangerous times in Austria with Hitler poised to take over the country. Although oblivious to much of what is going on, Greta one day discovers that Herr Hummel has a secret that may threaten them all.

Beautifully written story of passion, courage, and the human spirit.

[Dotty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greta Radky dreams of being a concert pianist, and, as she practices for her first big recital, she tries to ignore the rising Nazi presence. Despite her mother's opposition, Greta secretly takes lessons with a kind music professor,Herr Hummel, who fled Germany after helping Jews escape. He helps her with her music and builds her self-confidence. The suspense of her recital grows, and her performance is a triumph. The same night, however, Hitler takes over in Austria, and the Nazis riot and round up the Jews. Then Greta must rescue her beloved teacher and help him escape to Prague.

[Sena Khateeb · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nicely written story about a girl's dream to become a pianist. I enjoyed it, but I thought the story was going too fast in the first couple of chapters.
Greta is very brave, even if she doesn't realize it at the beginning. She was brave in her choice to take lessons at Herr Hummel, in confronting her mother when the latter said she wouldn't go to her recital, and in saving Herr Hummel's life... That is what I liked about her most.
The girl on the cover seems too big for a 12 year old girl- but perhaps children looked more like that in the the 40's(?) lol

[Scott Hayden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story with classical music and historical setting in Vienna. The author knows more than a little about piano playing, music, and Hitler's takeover of Austria. Some good detail there for young readers to absorb.

The writing is sometimes plain, though the story moves along, so there's no time for boredom. The main character's climactic speech to her mother borders on disrespect, even though her mother needed to hear it.

[Caitlin Lillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely amazing read about music, Nazis, self-confidence, living up to siblings, making new friends... and it didn't feel like it was too much at all! I especially liked the bits about Nina playing the piano; it was obvious how much she loved it and Maurine F. Dahlberg just put that into words so well.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good to watch our heroine become confident. Once again we see the evils of Nazi Germany's lack of humanity, and thirst for power at the expense of their own souls. Satan had a hey-day with that era.

[Maybellestyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A childhood favourite that I re-read recently. The details from everyday Viennese life were on-point and Greta's growth throughout the story is inspirational. Excellent book for music lovers and history fans. It's accessible to younger readers butworks well for older ones, too.

[Red Is · Rating 3 out of 5]

if you hate your life plz pick this book up!!!!

[Rachel Thooft · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really sweet.

[MadILYnne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really good book, especially if you just want a short read. :)

[Maggie D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

You either love it or hate it.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first books I've ever bought and read. The story is highly engaging and speaks to readers of all ages.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book in 4th grade, and still have it on my shelf. A beautiful story, and very historically accurate. My favorite book:)

[Emma Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. I am thoroughly interested in non-fiction and fiction stories taking place in World War II. It was thoroughly touching, and tear-welling. I just loved this story.

[Leen El Khateeb · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

[Mazzou B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would have preferred it if it had been nonfiction. Also, not incredibly exciting but an interesting read anyhow.

[Rose]

JF Dah

[Lol...Naruto Rocks! (Katelyn, Haku.) · Rating 1 out of 5]

not one of my faves.