reviewsbyerin

Eva's family has made their living making beautiful musical instruments. But in Hungary in 1944, music is one of the last things on people's minds. The Nazis have occupied their country, the Jewish population is being rounded up and forced into camps, and the country is under frequent bombings from Allied forces.

Zophia, Eva's Jewish sister-in-law, has so far escaped notice from the Nazis. But that's bound to change as she gets more and more involved with the Zionist Youth movement. She and Eva's fiance Patrik work with the group, trying to help Jews receive false papers and be able to flee to safety. Patrik has lost his family, though his false papers give him some security as he assists others. But he's keeping his background a secret—even from Eva.

When Zophia is threatened, the Bognar family is willing to do anything to help her. But it may be more than they do can. When Patrik won't tell Eva or the Bognar family about the measures they've taken to keep her safe, Eva begins to doubt Patrik's intentions. Will the lies and secrets ever end?

I'd never read a book set in Hungary during WWII, and I learned a lot about about the history and culture of this European country. With the setting, one would expect a heavy story, and it certainly is at times. You'll ache with Eva, Patrik, and Zophia as they hope for the best, but in war there are no guarantees. I would recommend this story for fans of of serious WWII fiction, or anyone who wants to learn more about the time period.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.