Orly’s youth is deeply entwined with music, from the serene opera tales of her famous mother to the impassioned strains of her father’s viola. Despite the mounting political unrest in Germany, she finds solace and adventure in the company of her best friend and upstairs neighbor, Annalise, as they create fantastical, eccentric worlds to escape the encroaching challenges of their reality. However, 1938 brings a devastating upheaval when Germany invades, severing Orly from her cherished friend. Fleeing with her parents, they find asylum in the distant mountains of Bolivia. There, Orly faces a dilemma: should she forge a new existence in this unfamiliar land or dare to return to Europe and reunite with Annalise?

Jennifer Steil’s Exile Music: A Novel, set against the backdrop of Vienna during Hitler’s rise, depicts the life of a young Jewish girl. Steil employs historical references effectively, providing readers with a chronological compass through Orly’s journey, and delivering an emotional resonance for those familiar with the Jewish plight during WWII. The novel also weaves in musical motifs, particularly through the tragic operas relayed by Orly’s mother. These references, alongside vivid depictions of the opera house and Orly’s Viennese village, enrich the narrative with a vibrant cultural tapestry, inviting readers into the heart of the characters’ world. The specialized nature of the musical and historical references offers a rewarding opportunity for readers. A deep understanding isn’t essential, but those familiar with these elements will find that their knowledge significantly enriches the emotional depth of the story. The novel’s appeal might vary among readers based on their historical and musical knowledge. The family’s profound connection to music offers a universal touchstone of passion and resilience.

Jennifer Steil has crafted a descriptive and evocative tale that encapsulates the tragedies and perseverance of a Jewish family during WWII. Exile Music is both captivating and eloquent, inviting readers to immerse themselves in a poignant period of history through the eyes of a deeply relatable protagonist.

Pages: 432 | ISBN : 978-0525561835