Alice's Piano: The Life of Alice Herz-Sommer

Have you ever had the opportunity to read a book and not want to reach the end? Well that has been my experience with Alice's Piano, The Story of Alice Hrez-Sommer. It is truly a magnificent historical read with a striking interest building element for a classical piano lover. Without giving away the story, it provides the the meaning and moods of Chopin's 24 etudes with grace and style while combining these moods with significant vignettes of essential characters depicted throughout the story's plot! It also illustrates how Alice's loving, embracement of music has allowed her to continue her survival as the "oldest living Holocaust survivor." I highly recommend this book...it is unfogetably magnificent...! SMS

Having visited Prague and Terezin I was very interested to read this book. I was well written and a balanced account of the time. No sensational descriptions of the horrors although anyone familiar with the history of that time knows they were present. The only omission was no mention of the government officials and other artists also imprisoned there. I especially appreciated the few measures of the Chopin Etudes at the beginning of the sections related to the concerts including them and the short descriptions of each etude. It is a loving account of an amazing life and talent without being overly sentimental. Her ability to take life as it came most of the time added much to the strength of the account and her character, especially in the relationship with her son. Truly a remarkable life!

As a musician, I cannot imagine life in a concentration camp. That Alice survived and contributed so much inspiration musically as well as personally, is truly amazing. It is too bad there are no recordings of her work especially in her advanced years...living to be 110! Amazing story, amazing life.

Such an inspiring story colored with shades of musical masters. Alice became pervayor and interpreter of these works for so many people, camp internees as well as Nazi persecutors. Her protection of her son and survival in this Nazi death camp is astounding while so many perished, but her story of the emerging State of Israel and a renewed chance of life is seized when she moves there. Alice has a story never to be forgotten.

I enjoyed the book but think those with a classical music background would enjoy it more with mention of so many famous musicians & composers. I am always interested in stories about people who survive bitter circumstances and chose to live life with such optimism. Alice has certainly lived an amazing life, filled with goals, determination and love. She has so much to teach us all.

This heartbreaking yet wonderfully beautiful story was the perfect book to read before heading on a trip to Prague. After seeing a documentary "Defiant Requiem" about the Jewish Ghetto Terezine and the people who had suffered so much there made this book was even more intriguing to read. Alice, her friends, family and colleagues -- all accomplished musicians, composers and performers lifted one another up during such horrific times of Nazi Germany and the holocaust. It was a difficult read due to the suffrage of so many, but worth pushing through it, as Alice herself is a woman you won't forget any time soon, she haunts me weeks after I have finished the book.

Although set in the context of Nazi Germany, the life story of this remarkable Holocaust survivor reaches forward to us today. It is challenging, inspiring, and poignant as it moves through the various turning points in the life of Alice Herz-Sommer and her family. Her ability to transcend the ugliness of war, the betrayal and disappointments of her life, to adapt to her surroundings without being destroyed by them, is nothing short of amazing. Alice finds beauty in each day, no matter how difficult, and her love and talent for beautiful music is shared with others throughout her lifetime of 108 years. It is truly a testament of the triumph of hope and joy, and the realization that we each choose how we respond to each new day.

I have read many books about the holocaust. After personally visiting Terezin, the concentration camp near Prague a few years ago, her words took me there and what it must have like to endure this catastrophe. My own relatives were sent there and I felt comforted that Alice had probably provided some solace for them admist their horrific daily lives.

Have only read some of it. Great book though. Saw the late Alice on you tbe. Remarkable lady.

Couldn't put this book down

good ebayer