By 
Janis Robinson Daly has written a captivating and intriguing Historical Fiction Novel about World War One. The other Genres in this well-written novel are World War One, Music, and Opera. The author vividly describes the German and Boston locations, the plot, and the complex and complicated characters. The female protagonist, Josephine Therese Marzynski, is eighteen years old in 1916 and goes to Berlin, Germany to live with family friends, to follow her dream of continuing opera study at Germany’s most prestigious school. Her expectations are to learn the culture, meet new people, and enjoy the beautiful views.
Unfortunately, this is terrible and tragic timing as war breaks out, especially when America enters the war in 1917. Josephine is no longer the welcome student and finds that most of the people in Germany live in small rations, unless they have money to get what they want. As Josephine appears to be the enemy, she is forced to visit and sign in at the local police precinct daily. Her family friends, and the German friends that she had made in Opera school, are in danger, and every move she makes is under scrutiny. This is based on a true story. The author presents how the “enemy” lives and is treated under their own government, which I found interesting.
Josephine tries to get home to Boston, and has waited too long. Now there are dangerous risks, yet she is determined to get home. It is amazing how often music in literature can reflect history. I highly recommend this intense book.
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