The Girl from Berlin by Ronald H. Balson is a heart-wrenching novel about a Jewish violinist named Ada who lives in Berlin during World War II. In a time where women aren’t given places in professional orchestras, Ada intends to be the first, and with her extremely advanced musical ability, it’s not too far-fetched of a dream. As Ada is progressing in the Berlin Youth Orchestra, Nazis are taking over Berlin, and Ada and her family are targeted as high ranking Jewish people. Ada’s amazing talent will help her survive, but will it be enough? Fast forward to modern-day, two lawyers, Catherine Lockhart and Liam Taggart go to Italy to help their friend’s aunt who’s being evicted from her villa. The aunt, Gabi, is scarred by her past, and to make up for the fact that she can’t talk about her past or how she got the property, she gives them the manuscript of Ada Baumgarten, telling them it’ll explain everything. How can Ada’s story save Gabi’s villa and why can’t Gabi talk about her past? Will Ada make it through the war? Read The Girl from Berlin to find out.
I absolutely loved this book and devoured it in a matter of hours. I read a lot of World War II novels but almost none have been as emotionally touching as this. Through tears, laughter, shock, and internal pleading with the book, I couldn’t put it down. The integration of the modern-day storyline with Ada’s story is seamless and adds so many layers to both. Ada’s determination to break through the gender barrier in the music industry even while the war is inspiring and her devotion to her family through her chances to progress and get out of Berlin is a true testament of love. While this story does have its triumphs and happiness it’s also brutal and sad at points. Ada performs in grand theaters and experiences first love but also goes to places such as concentration camps and a terrible prison cell. If you are a mature reader who’s looking for an inspiring, rollercoaster-of-emotions book, or if you’ve read books like The Book Thief and The Librarian of Auschwitz, I highly recommend that you read The Girl from Berlin by Ronald H. Balson.
Review Written by Ada, 9th Grade