Alice's Piano: The Life of Alice Herz-Sommer Hardcover – Illustrated, March 13, 2012

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!

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 disappointmentsof her life, to adapt to her surroundings without being destroyed by them, is nothing short of amazing. Alice findsbeauty 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.

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

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.

No one should have to endure what the remarkable woman did She was caught up in the worst place and still managed to survive. She lost her childhood and yet managed to learn how to play the piano. Taught many other to play as well . I wish there were cd s available with her music.May she rest in peace and may her memory be a blessing

Excellent story of a superb person. However, the writing or the translation fell far below the height of a wonderful human being who suffered the cruelest experiences that humanity can conjure. The theme of her life that goodness can survive unstained by the filth of evil. Fortunately, many of her interviews can be seen on YouTube, highly recommended to listen to her tell her own story. And imagine how she sounded as a young pianist playing the composers of the music the world still loves. The BBC filmed a documentary of her. Her life is truly an inspiration

This is a very touching story, glad that I read the book. It does contain a lot of musical descriptions, technical aspects of playing the piano that a musical person would like, little too much for a person with little playing experience; however, you can skip over and still enjoy the story.

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