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Second Fiddle
From acclaimed author of A Wolf Called Wander and Heart of a Shepherd comes another sensitive portrayal of military families, this time stationed abroad, in the city of Berlin at that historic time just after the Wall came down.When 13-year-old Jody and her friends save a badly beaten Russian soldier from drowning, they put into motion a chain of events that will take them from Berlin to Paris and straight into danger. Jody must quickly learn to trust herself, because in the time directly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the border between friend and enemy is not as clear as it once was.Award-winning author of Heart of a Shepherd Rosanne Parry offers a fast-paced, coming-of-age story filled with adventure, music, friendship, and intrigue.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
7 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
Rosanne Parry
17 books449 followersHey there,
I'm the author of several novels for young readers, including the NY Times best seller, A WOLF CALLED WANDER and A WHALE OF THE WILD. There is information about all my books on my website.
I write because I love the power of story to illuminate and uplift our world. I try to write things that are heartfelt and encourage conversation in families and classrooms. If you wanted to ask me a question or invite me to come speak at your school or library, I'd love that. There's a contact me area on my website
When I'm not writing I try to be an advocate for literacy and libraries whenever I can. I like to read (obviously) and hike and dance and go to the beach and play the harp and write in my treehouse.
I'm the author of several novels for young readers, including the NY Times best seller, A WOLF CALLED WANDER and A WHALE OF THE WILD. There is information about all my books on my website.
I write because I love the power of story to illuminate and uplift our world. I try to write things that are heartfelt and encourage conversation in families and classrooms. If you wanted to ask me a question or invite me to come speak at your school or library, I'd love that. There's a contact me area on my website
When I'm not writing I try to be an advocate for literacy and libraries whenever I can. I like to read (obviously) and hike and dance and go to the beach and play the harp and write in my treehouse.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
March 16, 2025
A YA book about three teenage musicians who help an injured soldier.
April 30, 2013
Second Fiddle by Rosanne Parry was an alluring read that had me enamored throughout. A young adult novel about three girlfriends who plan a trip to Paris for a musical competition, the story takes place in 1990 in Germany, when the wall has just come down. On their way home from a music lesson one day they witness a crime and end up saving the life of a Soviet soldier who is wanted from the government. Little did they know he'd turn their whole world upside down. They decide to help him get home and take him to Paris with them. That's where the adventure starts. Where do I begin? First of all, I loved the time period of the piece and everything it represented. My mother being born and raised in Germany, I have my own particular sentiments about the wall coming down. So much history changing everyday, and we so often don't see it. Parry explained the political climate in easy and interesting description, that was fun to follow and hard to put down. I could identify well with the main character, Jody, in her plainness, or at least that's how she viewed herself. Toward the end I think she ended up having a natural beauty who's impact went unnoticed by her. You get hints throughout the story that they'll end up getting caught, but I kept thinking to myself, who cares? Can you imagine taking a trip as a teenager to a foreign country with friends and having all these adventures? You'd have memories for a lifetime. I also really enjoyed the musical/art theme that ran throughout the plot. Being involved with music most of my life, I remember well those solo and ensemble contests, and it brought back memories for me. Another aspect I enjoyed was the dusty old bookshop where they ending up staying for the night. Being an avid reader, I love when stories have little used bookstores in them. Although I did pause on wondering what Parry's intent had been when she spoke of socialism when the shop keeper offered the girls money. They didn't quite understand what socialism was and Parry left us feeling it was just about people being nice to one another. I did laugh when the shop keeper offered a book on it to the girls and they declined, saying they'd be grounded if they came home socialists. Although I appreciated the authenticity of the Karl Marx quote, I wondered at what Parry was trying to convey. Was it just another attempt at explaining the political climate of the times? Or was Parry trying to throw a little of her own beliefs in the mix? Perhaps I'm just jaded since this country has been moving more in that direction since Obama became president.
In any case, the story was fantastic and I found myself tearing up at the end. Intelligent, young, girls on an adventure in Paris, following their hearts in trying to do the right thing was what it was all about. I really enjoyed it. My only thought is, I wonder how many young adults are reading this type of literature? I don't remember reading anything like this when I was a teenager, but was it because I didn't want to? Or because I just didn't come across it? I hope it was the latter and that I can raise my boys to want to ingest this kind of reading. Not only was it a beautiful story, but Parry then gave us an Author's Note at the end, telling us about the division of Germany and how it affected the surrounding countries. And it all was in an eloquent and easy to understand explanation. I know many adults my age who don't have a clue as to what the wall division between East and West Germany was really about and would love to see them read this story. What a wonderful world we live in that has literature like this for our young people. Although it doesn't have enough qualities to be considered classic literature as of yet, it was a captivating story and a delightful read. I highly recommend it.
ClassicsDefined.com
In any case, the story was fantastic and I found myself tearing up at the end. Intelligent, young, girls on an adventure in Paris, following their hearts in trying to do the right thing was what it was all about. I really enjoyed it. My only thought is, I wonder how many young adults are reading this type of literature? I don't remember reading anything like this when I was a teenager, but was it because I didn't want to? Or because I just didn't come across it? I hope it was the latter and that I can raise my boys to want to ingest this kind of reading. Not only was it a beautiful story, but Parry then gave us an Author's Note at the end, telling us about the division of Germany and how it affected the surrounding countries. And it all was in an eloquent and easy to understand explanation. I know many adults my age who don't have a clue as to what the wall division between East and West Germany was really about and would love to see them read this story. What a wonderful world we live in that has literature like this for our young people. Although it doesn't have enough qualities to be considered classic literature as of yet, it was a captivating story and a delightful read. I highly recommend it.
ClassicsDefined.com
April 20, 2012
Wow, that was impressive. Parry has crafted insightful historical fiction from a period that I've read very little about, I learned so much even from the Author's note at the end. It's also a beautiful story of friendship, of heroism, of art, music, culture and creativity all threaded together in one gigantic adventure.
It is set in Germany in 1990, just after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Three 13-year-old ex-pat friends are disappointed that their music teacher has to cancel their trip to perform in a competition in Paris. But when they witness the attempted murder of a Soviet soldier by his comrades they devise an extraordinary plan to try to get him to safety, which of course involves travelling to Paris and participating in the concert after all.
As historical fiction the plot is rather too extraordinary to be believed, but it weaves around people, places and events that are entirely real and gives you a sense of having experienced them yourself. You understand how transitional post-wall Berlin would have felt, as well as the cultural craziness of Paris from the perspective of street musicians, fine artists and the humble writers who camp at Shakespeare and Company.
There is much to talk about with young readers, from the attempted murder (due to the soldier's reluctance to do something which could harm civilians and his reporting it to the allies), to trusting strangers and how to go about trying to do the right thing. The girls keep their dangerous adventure a secret from their parents because the soldier fears that if he is handed over he will be sent back to his regiment who will attempt to kill him again. They also meet an unsavoury character at Shakespeare and Co - whom they send on his way in no uncertain terms. And after hearing the soldier talk of the brutality of Communism in his native Estonia, there is a softer view of the ideals of Socialism from the owner of Shakespeare and Co, though his motto "Be not inhospitable to strangers lest they be angels in disguise" is actually a variation on a passage from the Bible.
Overall, however, there is a perfect balance between the unrealism of fiction (which takes reality that little bit further than it goes) and the truth and goodness of acting with the right intention, taking responsibility for one's actions, rising to new challenges, doing one's best to help oneself, being open to receiving help from good-hearted strangers and facing the consequences of keeping secrets from parents (especially when it involves being broadcast all over national television). I don't expect many readers would take it all literally and try to do it themselves.
This story is short and uncomplicated but highly original, and entertaining enough to make you want to get through the whole thing in one sitting. www.GoodReadingGuide.com
January 15, 2018
Fast paced historical fiction that I couldn't put down and read in one sitting. I loved the three girls and their relationship and loyalty to each other. They knew they needed to do what was right and just, no matter the cost or the difficulty. It took a lot of grit, intelligence, and determination to do what they were able to accomplish. And what an adventure it was on top of all that. Loved the setting in Berlin and Paris, especially the time they spent in Shakespeare and Company Bookshop, an actual place that is still there to this day.
January 8, 2012
If we had known it would eventually involve the KGB, the French National Police, and the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, we would have left that body in the river and called the Polizei like any normal German citizen; but we were Americans and addicted to solving other people's problems, so naturally, we got involved.
Synopsis:
Berlin in 1990: a city in transition. The Wall has just come down, people have fled from East Berlin in search of better lives, and the Soviet Army is facing some serious problems of its own. For American Army-brat Jody and her best friends, Giselle and Vivian, Berlin is also home. For a while, at least. Jody's three-year stay is about to come to an end with her family's upcoming move to Texas, while Giselle's family is headed to California. The girls are in the final days of preparing for one last competition as a string trio - in Paris! - when their teacher tells them he cannot take them after all. On their way home from receiving that disappointing news, the girls save a drowning Estonian soldier, beaten and thrown off a bridge by officers of his own Soviet Army. He needs to escape Berlin before the Russians find him. The girls need a chaperon to Paris before their parents find out their teacher canceled. What could possibly go wrong?
Review:
In Parry's second book for young readers, she takes us back to a time that seems too recent to really be called historical fiction, but it is. She sketches the reality of teens of the time - no cell phones, no e-mail - with specific details without waxing overly nostalgic (an easy trap when writing historical fiction set in your own lifetime). For today's tweens, the days of the Soviet Union are ancient history! The story is told through Jody's eyes, but all three girls are strong characters. Their bond, and the way it sustains them through thick and thin, forms the core of the novel. Parry keeps their madcap antics in Paris just this side of unbelievable, giving both a thrilling adventure tale and a sweet story of friendship, loyalty, and discovering one's own strength.
Final Word:
Set in the waning days of the Cold War, this is a fine adventure story with a warm heart.
Source: Checked out from my public library.
Synopsis:
Berlin in 1990: a city in transition. The Wall has just come down, people have fled from East Berlin in search of better lives, and the Soviet Army is facing some serious problems of its own. For American Army-brat Jody and her best friends, Giselle and Vivian, Berlin is also home. For a while, at least. Jody's three-year stay is about to come to an end with her family's upcoming move to Texas, while Giselle's family is headed to California. The girls are in the final days of preparing for one last competition as a string trio - in Paris! - when their teacher tells them he cannot take them after all. On their way home from receiving that disappointing news, the girls save a drowning Estonian soldier, beaten and thrown off a bridge by officers of his own Soviet Army. He needs to escape Berlin before the Russians find him. The girls need a chaperon to Paris before their parents find out their teacher canceled. What could possibly go wrong?
Review:
In Parry's second book for young readers, she takes us back to a time that seems too recent to really be called historical fiction, but it is. She sketches the reality of teens of the time - no cell phones, no e-mail - with specific details without waxing overly nostalgic (an easy trap when writing historical fiction set in your own lifetime). For today's tweens, the days of the Soviet Union are ancient history! The story is told through Jody's eyes, but all three girls are strong characters. Their bond, and the way it sustains them through thick and thin, forms the core of the novel. Parry keeps their madcap antics in Paris just this side of unbelievable, giving both a thrilling adventure tale and a sweet story of friendship, loyalty, and discovering one's own strength.
Final Word:
Set in the waning days of the Cold War, this is a fine adventure story with a warm heart.
Source: Checked out from my public library.
March 31, 2011
In her second novel for young people, Rosanne Parry takes us back to Berlin in 1990, at the time of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of communism in Eastern Europe. The novel has a terrific opening line:
"If we had known it would eventually involve the KGB, the French National Police, and the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, we would have left that body in the river and called the Polizei like an normal German citizen..."
Our narrator, Jody, is a army kid, used to moving constantly and not forming bonds that are too tight. But she's made two really good friends in Berlin at the American school--Giselle and Vivian--and the three take music lessons together. As the novel opens, Jody will soon be moving back to the States since her father is retiring from the army. In the meantime, she and her friends are preparing for a chamber music ensemble contest in Paris when their teacher falls ill and tells them he can't be their chaperone on the trip from Berlin to France. On their way home from the lesson, the girls witness a terrible crime in East Berlin, and save a Soviet soldier from drowning in the river. When they get the idea to have him impersonate their music teacher--providing them with a chaperone and getting the young Estonian away from the Russian army in one fell swoop--they can't foresee what the consequences will be, nor who exactly the young Estonian might be. Is he friend or foe? Are the Russians following them on the train to Paris, looking for the Russian sergeant?
The three girls have the adventure of a lifetime in Paris, with lots of local color thrown in, including a stay at Shakespeare and Co., the famous English-language bookstore in Paris. This is an engaging story of friendship, music, and freedom set in what's a long-ago era for today's tweens--the end of the Cold War. A time before kids were constantly checking in via texting and phone with their parents--positively the Middle Ages for today's kids!
"If we had known it would eventually involve the KGB, the French National Police, and the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, we would have left that body in the river and called the Polizei like an normal German citizen..."
Our narrator, Jody, is a army kid, used to moving constantly and not forming bonds that are too tight. But she's made two really good friends in Berlin at the American school--Giselle and Vivian--and the three take music lessons together. As the novel opens, Jody will soon be moving back to the States since her father is retiring from the army. In the meantime, she and her friends are preparing for a chamber music ensemble contest in Paris when their teacher falls ill and tells them he can't be their chaperone on the trip from Berlin to France. On their way home from the lesson, the girls witness a terrible crime in East Berlin, and save a Soviet soldier from drowning in the river. When they get the idea to have him impersonate their music teacher--providing them with a chaperone and getting the young Estonian away from the Russian army in one fell swoop--they can't foresee what the consequences will be, nor who exactly the young Estonian might be. Is he friend or foe? Are the Russians following them on the train to Paris, looking for the Russian sergeant?
The three girls have the adventure of a lifetime in Paris, with lots of local color thrown in, including a stay at Shakespeare and Co., the famous English-language bookstore in Paris. This is an engaging story of friendship, music, and freedom set in what's a long-ago era for today's tweens--the end of the Cold War. A time before kids were constantly checking in via texting and phone with their parents--positively the Middle Ages for today's kids!
November 2, 2011
An American military base in 1990s Germany is home to three friends, Jody, Giselle and Vivian, who are also in a stringed trio. The friends will be separated soon because Jody's father will be moving the family to Texas, so a final musical competition in Paris is something the girls have been looking forward to. When they have a final rehearsal at their music teacher's house, they learn their teacher,Herr Muller, won't be able to accompany them. The girls try to come up with another solution while walking through an East German neighborhood when they witness two officers with red stars in a gold circle on their caps throwing a third man into the river. When the officers leave the scene, Jody goes into the river to retrieve the man with her friends' help. The man is not dead but is hurt badly and the girls learn his name is Arvo Kross, a soldier who begs the girls to hide him from his Russian unit, because he's an Estonian who went against the Russian army. Arvo convinces the girls that he must leave Berlin to be safe.
The girls come up with a plan to help Arvo leave Berlin for Paris, with him posing as their music teacher especially since their parents' don't know the real Herr Muller is unable to accompany the girls. This way Arvo can be safe and the girls can compete in their last musical competition together with an adult to register them at the competition.
Paris holds more adventure for the trio then what they planned and again they must use their creativity to solve problems, especially Jody's creative composing abilities.
The girls come up with a plan to help Arvo leave Berlin for Paris, with him posing as their music teacher especially since their parents' don't know the real Herr Muller is unable to accompany the girls. This way Arvo can be safe and the girls can compete in their last musical competition together with an adult to register them at the competition.
Paris holds more adventure for the trio then what they planned and again they must use their creativity to solve problems, especially Jody's creative composing abilities.
November 26, 2012
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
Jody, Giselle, and Vivian live on a military base in Germany. The three girls have one thing in common - music. They have been taking lessons from Herr Muller for years and are about to attend another competition. Their string trio has played well in the past, but this year they've practiced hard and are hoping to win. However, they will soon learn about much more than their music.
While the girls have been busy practicing, history has been changing around them. It's 1990 and the Berlin Wall between East and West Germany has crumbled. The changes in Germany mean that Jody's father will be retiring and moving them back to the United States. Because of this, she is especially excited about playing with her friends for perhaps the last time.
One thing Jody is not expecting is to see a young soldier thrown off a bridge. As her friends watch, she rescues the soldier, and they drag him to safety. Once he is out of danger, the girls learn his name is Arvo Kross. He explains that he is an Estonian, and that he was attempting to leave his regiment because he was being ordered to complete a dangerous mission he believed was wrong.
Arvo convinces the girls that his life is in danger if he remains in Berlin, and he insists that even the Americans at the German base will not be able to help him. Jody is determined to help Arvo find a safe haven.
When the girls find out their music teacher won't be able to take them to their competition in Paris as scheduled, Jody sees a chance to help Arvo. Since their parents don't know about the cancelled performance, Jody explains how they can pool their resources and help Arvo leave Berlin to seek help in Paris. Besides saving their new friend, the three girls think he will be able to act as the adult necessary to get them registered for the music competition.
What follows is an exciting journey to the city of Paris. The girls do make an appearance at the competition, but that's just the beginning of their musical adventure.
Rosanne Parry is the author of SECOND FIDDLE, as well as an earlier novel titled HEART OF A SHEPHERD. In her author's note for this book, she explains that her own experiences in Germany from 1990-1992 inspired her story. SECOND FIDDLE features three strong characters who take matters into their own hands, and through creative problem-solving manage to take care of themselves and at the same time uncover a bit of espionage.
Jody, Giselle, and Vivian live on a military base in Germany. The three girls have one thing in common - music. They have been taking lessons from Herr Muller for years and are about to attend another competition. Their string trio has played well in the past, but this year they've practiced hard and are hoping to win. However, they will soon learn about much more than their music.
While the girls have been busy practicing, history has been changing around them. It's 1990 and the Berlin Wall between East and West Germany has crumbled. The changes in Germany mean that Jody's father will be retiring and moving them back to the United States. Because of this, she is especially excited about playing with her friends for perhaps the last time.
One thing Jody is not expecting is to see a young soldier thrown off a bridge. As her friends watch, she rescues the soldier, and they drag him to safety. Once he is out of danger, the girls learn his name is Arvo Kross. He explains that he is an Estonian, and that he was attempting to leave his regiment because he was being ordered to complete a dangerous mission he believed was wrong.
Arvo convinces the girls that his life is in danger if he remains in Berlin, and he insists that even the Americans at the German base will not be able to help him. Jody is determined to help Arvo find a safe haven.
When the girls find out their music teacher won't be able to take them to their competition in Paris as scheduled, Jody sees a chance to help Arvo. Since their parents don't know about the cancelled performance, Jody explains how they can pool their resources and help Arvo leave Berlin to seek help in Paris. Besides saving their new friend, the three girls think he will be able to act as the adult necessary to get them registered for the music competition.
What follows is an exciting journey to the city of Paris. The girls do make an appearance at the competition, but that's just the beginning of their musical adventure.
Rosanne Parry is the author of SECOND FIDDLE, as well as an earlier novel titled HEART OF A SHEPHERD. In her author's note for this book, she explains that her own experiences in Germany from 1990-1992 inspired her story. SECOND FIDDLE features three strong characters who take matters into their own hands, and through creative problem-solving manage to take care of themselves and at the same time uncover a bit of espionage.
May 3, 2011
Jody and her friends, Giselle and Vivian, can’t believe their music teacher has to cancel their trip to Paris for a musical competition. It was supposed to be the last chance they would have to play together before Jody and Giselle leave the U.S. Army base in Berlin and return to the U.S.
Then they witness the attempted murder of a Soviet soldier by his own officers. The girls realize the only way they can truly save his life is to smuggle him out of Berlin. And that trip to Paris may be just the way to do it—if they can figure out how to pull it off.
Second Fiddle by Rosanne Parry is set just after the fall of the Berlin Wall. As children of military or diplomatic parents, the girls in the story all live in homes that are highly disciplined. They’re good kids, and because they’ve moved often they know how to adapt to different environments. But Giselle and Jody are nervous about their impending move. They’re not sure they will fit in with the kids at school in the states, and they don’t want to lose their friendship in the process.
Their decision to take the soldier to Paris, and the events that follow, can provide great things to discuss in a mother-daughter book club with girls aged 9 to 13. Issues to talk about include kids taking on responsibility, becoming more independent, contributing to important family decisions, and deciding whom they can trust. There’s also plenty to talk about in regards to the Soviet Union, the Berlin Wall, military family life, and visiting Paris. I highly recommend it.
Then they witness the attempted murder of a Soviet soldier by his own officers. The girls realize the only way they can truly save his life is to smuggle him out of Berlin. And that trip to Paris may be just the way to do it—if they can figure out how to pull it off.
Second Fiddle by Rosanne Parry is set just after the fall of the Berlin Wall. As children of military or diplomatic parents, the girls in the story all live in homes that are highly disciplined. They’re good kids, and because they’ve moved often they know how to adapt to different environments. But Giselle and Jody are nervous about their impending move. They’re not sure they will fit in with the kids at school in the states, and they don’t want to lose their friendship in the process.
Their decision to take the soldier to Paris, and the events that follow, can provide great things to discuss in a mother-daughter book club with girls aged 9 to 13. Issues to talk about include kids taking on responsibility, becoming more independent, contributing to important family decisions, and deciding whom they can trust. There’s also plenty to talk about in regards to the Soviet Union, the Berlin Wall, military family life, and visiting Paris. I highly recommend it.
September 21, 2012
“If we had known it would eventually involve the KGB, the French National Police, and the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, we would have left that body in the river and called the Polizei like any normal German citizen; but we were Americans and addicted to solving other people’s problems, so naturally, we got involved.”
This is the introduction to Second Fiddle by Rosanne Parry. Quite an attention grabber, right? That’s what I thought when I first heard it at the Stages on Pages event at Oblong Books back in November when Rosanne Parry read it aloud to us along with other small segments of her story. I was hooked from that moment onward and found myself both looking forward to delving into a world of music, mystery, and adventure, and once again thanking April for dragging me (albeit willingly) to another signing where I happily purchased another awesome book to add to my ever-growing book collection.
Click here to read my full review!
This is the introduction to Second Fiddle by Rosanne Parry. Quite an attention grabber, right? That’s what I thought when I first heard it at the Stages on Pages event at Oblong Books back in November when Rosanne Parry read it aloud to us along with other small segments of her story. I was hooked from that moment onward and found myself both looking forward to delving into a world of music, mystery, and adventure, and once again thanking April for dragging me (albeit willingly) to another signing where I happily purchased another awesome book to add to my ever-growing book collection.
Click here to read my full review!
May 7, 2012
It's 1990 Berlin. The wall has come down but remnants of the former division are everywhere - a crumbling wall, the desolate apartments in East Berlin, the funny-looking Trabant cars and the Soviet soldiers. When Jody and her two best friends see Soviet officers attempt to murder one of their own, the three Americans act to save the wounded soldier. Learning his story, the three girls pledge not to tell their fathers and mothers serving with the American military and government in Berlin. Instead they resolve to help him all by themselves. Their promise will take them to Paris, where they must learn to cope with the unexpected. And they do. The powers of friendship, music and family shine strongly in this fast-paced adventure.
On a personal note, this book appealed to me on another level. Like Rosanne Parry, I was in Germany in 1990, after the Berlin Wall fell, but prior to economic reunification. The familiar setting and descriptions brought back memories of a country undergoing historic change and the German people who rose to the challenge.
On a personal note, this book appealed to me on another level. Like Rosanne Parry, I was in Germany in 1990, after the Berlin Wall fell, but prior to economic reunification. The familiar setting and descriptions brought back memories of a country undergoing historic change and the German people who rose to the challenge.
December 3, 2012
Jody is a 13 year old American girl, living in Berlin with her military father and family. Together, with her two American best friends, she rescues a Russian Soldier left for dead. They scheme up a plan to help him escape and also make it to their musical competition in Paris after their music teacher had to cancel. Little did they know, their lives would be in jeopardy and they would soon have to decide if their new “friend” wasn’t the real enemy.
I will be the first to admit, I am not a fan historical fiction. I do love stories full of hope and heroics. Second Fiddle has plenty of that.
The plot slowed considerably about two thirds the way through. For a short novel, this was somewhat detrimental to keeping my attention. Parry writes very well; but I feel the process of gathering essential timeline particulars, she veered too far off course for me. It wrapped up quite nice for a happy ending.
I will be the first to admit, I am not a fan historical fiction. I do love stories full of hope and heroics. Second Fiddle has plenty of that.
The plot slowed considerably about two thirds the way through. For a short novel, this was somewhat detrimental to keeping my attention. Parry writes very well; but I feel the process of gathering essential timeline particulars, she veered too far off course for me. It wrapped up quite nice for a happy ending.
February 15, 2012
Rosanne Parry handles this story of a young girl finding her confidence in friendship and her own musical ability, told against the backdrop of Berlin in the early 90's, surely and with affection. I loved all three of her girls, distinct characters all, and enjoyed learning about military life and culture through each of them. The depth of the portrayal of music in a young life, the first glimmerings of a crush on an impossible object of admiration, daring actions and espionage, as well as the historical verisimilitude are a difficult mix to pull , but I read this story with absorption. I rooted for Jody, her friends, her music and her escaped Russian soldier. I rooted for her family and for the trio to do well in the music competition. I relished the episode in Paris with its unexpected developments and its vivid descriptions and interactions. Just: yay!
March 31, 2012
Maybe because I refuse to believe I'm getting old, I tend to forget that historical fiction can also mean fiction about history that happened in my lifetime. The year is 1990, the Berlin Wall has fallen, and Jody, an Army kid, is preparing to move back to the States when her father retires from the service in a few weeks. Even though she's only been in Berlin for three years, it's the longest she's ever lived anywhere, and Giselle (another Army kid) and Vivian (daughter of an American diplomat) are the best friends she's ever had. They've formed a string trio and they're slated to play in a competition in Paris just before Jody goes back to the States. When the three of them witness a Soviet soldier being brutally beaten and left for dead, they hatch a daring plan to use their trip to help him escape. This was a fun listen about a period of history often taken for granted.
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June 26, 2011I thoroughly enjoyed this gentle story about being an artist/musician and finding one's place in the world (even when one is part of a constantly-moving military family), and how the former can help with the latter.
Along the way the story includes an escaped Soviet soldier, KGB spies, French police, and the fall of the Berlin Wall, all of which somehow supports the story about music and home. Somehow, the story is no less gentle for all these things. I'm still thinking about that.
I want to say that the ways in which music can save and sustain people puts this realistic story in sympathy with much of the early urban fantasy I read, too, even though the tone is very different. I'm still thinking about that, too.
Along the way the story includes an escaped Soviet soldier, KGB spies, French police, and the fall of the Berlin Wall, all of which somehow supports the story about music and home. Somehow, the story is no less gentle for all these things. I'm still thinking about that.
I want to say that the ways in which music can save and sustain people puts this realistic story in sympathy with much of the early urban fantasy I read, too, even though the tone is very different. I'm still thinking about that, too.
September 14, 2011
Okay, this would be a fantastic book to give to people who have problems getting rid of the parents. But it's historical, so the lack of cell phones, airport checks, and heightened security are not as prevalent as they would be in a more contemporary novel.
Anyway, I found this surprisingly page-turning. And by "surprisingly" I mean that the cover, title, and first chapter don't really make it seem that way.
I also fell in love with pretty much every character, from the grumpy cat to the kind-hearted book seller to the flamenco-dancing family to the three main characters.
Anyway, I found this surprisingly page-turning. And by "surprisingly" I mean that the cover, title, and first chapter don't really make it seem that way.
I also fell in love with pretty much every character, from the grumpy cat to the kind-hearted book seller to the flamenco-dancing family to the three main characters.
April 22, 2012
I got this book in a giveaway and didn't really know what to expect. I really enjoyed it! I don't normally read books for younger readers but found this book very entertaining. This is a story about 3 young girls, daughters of military fathers who live in Berlin at the time the wall fell. The author skillfully creates a mystery that flows very smoothly with a wonderful description of Berlin and Paris. I enjoyed the creativeness and independence displayed by these young girls. This was a very fun read:)
May 7, 2012
This young adult fiction is easy to read. It's about a girl living in Germany with her Army dad, mom and 2 brothers. It's also about 3 friends who desperately grab a last chance to be together before the Army transfers their families away. What gets in their way is a soldier in the Russian army who is almost killed by his fellow soldiers. Their rescue of him goes unreported to their parents, which gets them in a lot of trouble with their parents, the US Army, and French police. It's a very entertaining story.
June 21, 2011
Oh gosh, I loved this book! The cover seems to portray just a dreamy girl with a violin, but make no mistake - this is an adventure book! Set in 1990 Berlin, just after the fall of the Berlin wall, three girls enter a prestigious music competition, drag a dying Soviet soldier from the river, survive a train ride to Paris with the KGB after them, and while on their own in Paris, become the center of an international incident. Great fun, and an excellent read. Recommended!
May 16, 2011
This book is pretty sad, but this is a pretty good story with a nice, happy ending that seems complete. It's not like a "happily ever after" ending, or a really bad ending where everyone dies, and then everything is at peace, but a good ending that seems to leave you wonder what will happen next, but not really bothering to. It's sort of like real life. As if there was an era, but it ending. Still, this book is pretty great with the plot and everything.
August 27, 2013
I loved this book, which I read as one of next year's Oregon Battle of the Books selections for middle schoolers. Though the sheer volume of their adventures may be somewhat implausible, the book is well written and draws you into the exploits of the three friends, and especially into the mind of Jody's character. The setting is a fascinating time in history, and you can't help but be drawn into the plot while you learn a bit about post-Wall Europe. Thumbs up!
July 8, 2012
Set in post-Berlin Wall Germany in 1990, this mystery finds a string trio of young girls witnessing a brutal attempted murder of a Soviet soldier in East Germany. Their subsequent musical adventure in Paris alone is thrilling, but the real power of the novel is in the realistic glimpse into the world of military families with their particular challenges and attributes.
March 4, 2012
One Sentence Review: A historical novel (yes, the 90s are historical now) Parry cleverly balances the spy genre with a truly heartfelt tale of what it means to be an army brat when all you want is for things to stay the same.
April 3, 2015
I really like the feel of this book. Historical fiction (during my lifetime - isn't that a weird feeling), adventure, European setting, military families, music, friendships that don't bicker, families that care... and writing that helps put you into it all.
January 13, 2012
I really liked this. There isn't a lot of good historical fiction in this time period. I liked all the different layers--the music competition, the problem with the soldier, the personal growth, the friendships...just an all around good novel.
July 22, 2012
Historical fiction. A girl is leaving Berlin with her family as her father's new military assignment there ends. Walking along the river with her friends, they happen to see a man roughed up and hiding.
July 4, 2011
I loved this book, it's clever and entertaining.
May 23, 2011
I completely enjoyed this story about the friendship of 3 girls and music and Berlin and Paris at a time of great upheaval in Berlin. I want her to come to my library. Maybe I'll ask her.
June 4, 2011
I loved the characters of this novel--and the plot will keep you turning pages. I confess to staying up well past my bedtime to finish it. :)
September 15, 2011
Middle schoolers, music, post-wall Berlin, a trip to Paris, the KGB . . . who wouldn't want to read this one?
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