The Violin Maker's Daughter - Absolutely heartbreaking World War 2 historical fiction

When the Nazis march onto the cobbled streets of Colmar on November 1st 1940, Josef, a Jewish violin maker, gathers his wife and daughters closely to him and tells them everything will be all right.

But one year later, three sharp knocks on the door at midnight turn his seventeen year old daughter Sarah's world upside down. As the oldest child, Sarah must be the first to leave her family, to make her escape in a perilous journey across France via Paris to Poitiers. And she must hide who she is and take a new name for her own safety. For now, bilingual Sarah is no longer a French Jew but a German girl.

As she bids farewell to her beloved father and family, Sarah has hope, against all odds, that she will see them again when the war is over. But, travelling through the mountains she finds herself in terrible danger and meets Ralf, a German deserter, who risks his own life to save her.

Ralf and Sarah continue their journey together, keeping their identities secret at all cost. But when Ralf is captured, will Sarah pay the ultimate price for sharing who she really is?

A gripping and heart-breaking account of love, bravery and sacrifice during the terror of war. A story of standing up for what you believe in; even if it's going to break your heart. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The Ragged Edge of Night.

Readers have fallen in love with The Violin Maker's Daughter :

'From the minute I opened this book I was completely enthralled. I couldn't put it down. It was well thought out and expertly written… Really a great read and I can't wait to look into other books by this author!' Being Perry, 5 stars

'Sharon Maas never disappoints! She is one of my favourite authors and with this wonderful, harrowing, heart breaking tale of courage and love in the face of unimaginable danger, she has cemented her place as one of the best historical fiction writes of today, right up there with Antony Doerr and Kristin Hannah. I SO loved this beautiful story… so stunningly realised.. it made the war come alive, the suffering and angst of ordinary people, both Jews and Germans, their bravery in the face of adversity so vividly brought to life thanks to the author's magical writing. I would very highly recommend this book and give it ten stars if I could. If you're going to read one war book this year make it this one!' Renita D'Silva, 5 stars

'A gripping, heartbreaking, but yet heartwarming historical fiction (that is based on real facts concerning Colmar, Alsace and Lorraine as well as French and German Resistance)... It is raw and emotional, yet a necessary story to tell. Sarah is only 17-18 and is so strong for her age. I enjoyed all the characters of individuals that helped her and Ralf along the way… it still had plenty of positivity and hope, that I felt it ended appropriately and honestly. A great read. 5/5 stars' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

'I loved it! Once I started reading, I could not stop... I was on the edge of my seat… This is the first book I have read by this writer, I am eager for more!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

About the author

I've been in love with stories from the time I first learned language. Older relatives tell me that even as a small child, my nose was always in a book, and as I grew up, the library was my favourite place in the whole world.But I also had stories inside of me, and for as long as I can remember I've been creating characters and plots in my head -- to the disappointment of my teachers, most of whom labelled me a hopeless dreamer. Yes, hopeless was the word: I never had the slightest hope that I could actually give form to stories, actually write books that others might enjoy... until I finally sat down at a typewriter and tried. It took a lot of trial and error, but at last, in 1999, Of Marriageable Age, was published by HarperCollins.I've now sixteen published novels. My books span continents, cultures, and eras: from the sugar plantations of colonial British Guiana in South America, to the French battlefields of World War Two, to the present-day brothels of Mumbai and the rice-fields and villages of South India, I've ventured far and wide in content, both in time and place.My books are a reflection of my own life: from growing up free and happy in the garden city of Georgetown, British Guiana; to backpacking through South America and to India; then a more sedate life as a German Hausfrau. My books reflect these changes. I write to explore and understand the human condition, and that's what these books are inevitably about.You'll find darkness in my books, but inevitably, there is light, because I believe that ultimately light is what we long for and light is our ultimate goal; I know it is mine. All my books are a reflection of my own life's journey, my own struggles and grasping for the light of understanding. I invite you along for the ride. Are you an armchair traveller? Then step on board!

Product details

• Authors: Sharon Maas
• Publisher: Bookouture
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 31.07.2019
• EAN: 9781786819796
• ISBN: 978-1-78681-979-6
• No. of pages: 380
• Dimensions: 129 mm x 198 mm x 22 mm
• Weight: 452 g
• Subjects: Fiction > Narrative literature; Historischer Roman, Zweiter Weltkrieg - Periode (1939 bis 1945), FICTION / Historical / World War II