"Grymes traces the beautiful and haunting history of violins played by Jews in the Holocaust. ... The accounts are unembellished, with plain, yarn-spinning language. They breathe new life into history."
Publishers Weekly "Violins of Hope is a work of research and scholarship that forms one of the most moving chronicles in the history of Western music. James A. Grymes ... Read morehas earned our plaudits and praise, and deserves our everlasting gratitude."
John Williams, Oscar-winning composer of the score for Schindler's List "The cruelties of the Third Reich have been well-documented in countless Holocaust studies. This report contemplates the crimes of the Nazis from a special point of view. A special Holocaust study of the unique link that violins, klezmer or classical, have continuously had with the Jewish spirit."
Kirkus Reviews "When you think of 'music history,' you probably think of something dry, cold, and unemotional. Music historian James A. Grymes will change your mind with his book, which focuses on violins during the time of the Holocaust, and how they inspired comfort, hope, and perseverance."
Westchester Magazine Show Less