Don’t Let The Music Die

The Melody Of The Soul by Liz Tolsma is a marvellous and moving Christian historical romance. It is the first in the Music Of Hope series and I cannot wait for the subsequent books.

The novel is set in Prague in 1943 at the height of the Nazi occupation. War is a terrible thing. It brings out the very worst and the very best in people.

Liz Tolsma has realistically captured the fearful atmosphere of occupation. Everyone is to be feared and trust is in short supply. “In their eyes nothing but hopelessness.” The novel shows how in times of war we can trust only God. War will either grow or wilt our faith depending on where our trust lies. We have no choice but to trust God, trust that He is good and does know what He’s doing in spite of situations saying otherwise.

Morals disappeared under Hitler. “You can’t trust a single German.” Brain washed people committed horrendous acts but not everyone who wore a Nazi uniform was evil. “Don’t judge him by the uniform he wears.” Men and women from all walks of life did show extraordinary bravery. “I refuse to live my life in fear or to stop from doing what is right.”

Some people were prepared to lay down their lives for others. “I’m not afraid to die on the side of right.” This reminds the reader of Jesus’ words the “Greater love hath no man than that he lay down his life for his friends.”

War tore families apart. War highlighted the need to protect those we love.

The novel has hard to read scenes set in Terezin. Liz Tolsma has perfectly captured the mood and the horrors.

Music can soothe the soul. If the music dies, hopelessness may set in. Even the Nazis recognised the power of music… hence the bands in the concentration camps.

Liz Tolsma has taken factual elements, combined them with her imagination and produced a first class story. Her power to capture the mood and atmosphere is outstanding.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Melody Of The Soul. As a historian I was impressed by the accuracy of the facts. As a reader, I was totally immersed within the tale.

A top rate and marvellous read.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON

The Melody Of The Soul blog tour on Litfuse