The Butterfly and the Violin (Hidden Masterpiece, #1) in Readers Unite

Feb 04, 2016 Linda rated it it was amazing

I love to discover new authors (whether debut or new to me), and I have found a keeper in Kristy Cambron. The Butterfly and the Violin tells the story of two couples - Adele Von Bron and Vladimir Nicolai during WWII, and Sera James and Will Hanover in the present. The stories of these two couples are beautifully interwoven. Ms. Cambron has created a suspenseful, historically accurate, well-researched story that effectively shares the message of God's love even in times of extreme evil and despai ...more

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Mar 03, 2015 Carrie Turansky rated it it was amazing

Beautiful story! I read it early for endorsement and was captivated by the way Kristy wove together the modern story and WW2 story. Well done. I am looking forward to the next book.

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Jul 07, 2014 Sarah rated it really liked it

Really enjoyed Cambron's debut. Moving, compelling story that moves between modern day and Auschwitz. Loved the message of God being with us no matter where we are. The soul is compelled to create and can find beauty in any setting.

Surprisingly, I found the modern day romance less believable than Adele and Vladimir's in the midst of war. The challenges the modern characters faced were so, well, minor, in the face of the Holocaust that it left me feeling somewhat disconnected from the characters. ...more

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Jul 28, 2014 Kerry Johnson rated it it was amazing

Kristy Cambron's debut novel, The Butterfly and the Violin, has received a lot of *book buzz* this summer. When I read a blog sharing the story behind the book, I was instantly intrigued. Elie Wiesel's Night and Corrie ten Boom's The Hiding Place are two books that deeply impacted me because they highlight the juxtaposition of evil and hope. I've long been fascinated by stories of God gently pulling His creation from the darkness back into the light, often despite ourselves.

The Butterfly and th Kristy Cambron's debut novel, The Butterfly and the Violin, has received a lot of *book buzz* this summer. When I read a blog sharing the story behind the book, I was instantly intrigued. Elie Wiesel's Night and Corrie ten Boom's The Hiding Place are two books that deeply impacted me because they highlight the juxtaposition of evil and hope. I've long been fascinated by stories of God gently pulling His creation from the darkness back into the light, often despite ourselves.

The Butterfly and the Violin is this kind of story, and so much more. The story and characters settle deep inside the reader, gently pressing and molding our emotions like main character Adele stringing the bow across her violin.

Set in present day and during World War II, The Butterfly and the Violin chronicles Austrian violinist Adele, a young woman of privilege who ends up playing for her life in Auschwitz after she's caught smuggling Jews out of Vienna, and Sera, a Manhattan art dealer desperate to uncover the story behind a mysterious painting of the beautiful, haunting violinist. Both present day and historical stories have romantic interests; the author created a heartfelt, tender relationship between Adele and fellow musician Vladimir, one that culminated in a particularly touching scene near the book's end.

Author Cambron skillfully weaves the present day storyline with historically rich scenes from World War II, creating a fascinating plot that kept me turning pages. On multiple occasions I found myself walking around our house with the book in hand, unable to put it down despite busy life calling me away. I found the story to be the perfect mix of description, character interaction, and lyrical prose.

The Butterfly and the Violin is a raw, beautiful story, engaging and heartbreaking all in one book. The author does a superb job showing us that God brings beauty from ashes and heals what has been torn through these characters and their lives, both present day and past.

I highly recommend The Butterfly and the Violin. It's a wonderful read and a needed reminder of our history and God's faithful hand as He writes our life stories. I'm eagerly awaiting this author's next book.

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Jun 12, 2014 Alyssa rated it it was amazing

Shelves: my-ebooks, historical, contemporary

"The Butterfly and the Violin" is a book that shocked me with its depth, historical detail, and beauty.

Adele was the shining star of the story. She stood up for love and friendship. We get to see her at her highest: falling in love, playing for all of Austria and Germany...and then we see her at her worst: losing hope, questioning life, existence and God. I almost became as obsessed as Sera with needing to know what was going to happen to Adele, would she survive Auschwitz? Could she ever possib ...more

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Sep 21, 2015 Kari Trumbo rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The Butterfly and the Violin is a weaving of past and present. It is the story of both Adele and Vladmir and Sera and William, all four searching God's truth amid various states of ruined lives. Can God's beauty and majesty be found even in the most horrible of circumstances? How about in futile situations? Cambron's tale shows us how Adele survived Auschwitz and how Sera could survive the death of her father and the betrayal of abandonment. Though Adele's story is much more difficult to read, t ...more

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