The Girl from Berlin, by Ronald H. Balson(Author), Fred Berman(Narrator), Macmillan Audio(Publisher)

An audiobook

Attorney Catherine Lockhart and her assistant (and hubby) Liam Taggart journey to Tuscany, Italy, to solve a land ownership dispute before their Italian friend’s aged aunt is evicted. Gabriella has a beautiful estate and prize-winning vineyard that two large “silent” corporations are attempting to take from her. She has lived there all her life. Eviction is in but 90 days. 

Gabriella gives the pair an important memoir (translated into English) to read because the old woman cannot bear to tell the story herself. It is the story of Ada Baumgarten, a young girl in a Jewish family in Berlin at the beginning of the Nazi reign of terror.  Even at seven, she is a violin prodigy, and her father is the music master in Berlin.

Yes, you can see where this is going. Ada rises to a star, becoming the first female violinist in the Berlin Philharmonic.  Every season, there are more tempting opportunities for Ada to play; all the while, Hitler’s net is drawing tighter on the Jews.  Ada’s family is urged to leave Germany, but they hold on for “just one more season!” Ada’s young friend, Kurt Koenig, is pulled from the Junior Orchestra and conscripted into the Nazi Youth Army.

Catherine and Liam struggle to find proof of the land’s original ownership but are met with obstacles, including destroyed files and murder. One plan after another fails, but the talented duo keeps on trying. Finally, they contact a lawyer in Germany, whose discovery opens the case wide.  NOW, we understand.

I loved the exquisite writing by Ronald H. Balson, the story, which is part memoir and part fast-paced legal drama, and the well-drawn characters and settings. The music history was a joy, and the sweet/sad love of family and true love bound The Girl from Berlin together like a well-played symphony. I had many “if only” moments, but the story told wouldn’t have been as great if they’d listened to me.

Very good narration as well.