Winner of the 2014 National Jewish Book Award (Holocaust)A stirring testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of music; Violins of Hope tells the remarkable stories of violins played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust; and the Israeli violin maker dedicated to bringing these inspirational instruments back to life.The violin has formed an important aspect of Jewish culture for centuries; both as a popular instrument with classical Jewish musicians and as a central factor of social life; as in the Klezmer tradition. But during the Holocaust; the violin assumed extraordinary roles within the Jewish community. For some musicians; the instrument was a liberator; for others; it was a savior that spared their lives. For many; the violin provided comfort in mankind's darkest hour; and; in at least one case; helped avenge murdered family members. Above all; the violins of the Holocaust represented strength and optimism for the future.Today; these instruments serve as powerful reminders of an unimaginable experience--they are memorials to those who perished and testaments to those who survived. In this spirit; renowned Israeli violinmaker Amnon Weinstein has devoted the past twenty years to restoring the violins of the Holocaust as a tribute to those who were lost; including four hundred of his own relatives. Behind each of these violins is a uniquely fascinating and inspiring story. Juxtaposing these narratives against one man's harrowing struggle to reconcile his own family's history and the history of his people; this insightful; moving; and achingly human book presents a new way of understanding the Holocaust.
#16874 in Books Stark Peter 2015-02-10 2015-02-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .93 x 5.31l; .65 #File Name: 0062218301400 pagesAstoria Astor and Jefferson s Lost Pacific Empire A Tale of Ambition and Survival on the Early American Frontier
Review
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. disappointed that the book ended rather abruptlyBy JDWI was interested in this book as I live in this part of the country; and have spent quite a bit of time in present day Astoria; Oregon. Much here I did not know - however; disappointed that the book ended rather abruptly; and at least on the Kindle edition; indicated that I was only about 60 some percent through the book - the rest was all sources and notes! But; good read up to that point - just thought it could have been wrapped up in a more satisfying way by taking it further into future history of the area and how it impacted the settlement of the Oregon Territory. .5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Well written and researched but not that excitingBy Philly CheeseThe author did a great job researching and writing about this historical adventure. I gave it three stars because the ending to this adventure is boring and a bit of a let down. I know it's history and you can only tell it the way it happened but it was anticlimactic. It's still worth reading. I love reading about early explorers and their lives. You might too.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Lots of history about a important part of our country in this bookBy CustomerIt is well written and has a lot of information. I was interested in this book because I have had a beach house near Astoria for 15 years and never really knew much about it's history. I have walked in the sites of the Indian villages and thru out the city of Astoria.I take my boat out into the river all around Astoria and cross the bar on good days Salmon fishing. Amazing to think how hard it was to get a ship across the bar back then. Most interesting for me was that of Mr. John Day. In Oregon we have 2 rivers and a city named after him. This book says he had mental issues and really was a nut case.
