My Heart Is a Violin: Renowned Violinist/Composter and Holocaust Survivor

by Shony Alex Braun, Emily Cavins (Primary Contributor)

This book traces the unique and remarkable life of Shony Alex Braun. As a boy of four, he becomes lost in the Transylvanian forest and encounters a group of gypsies who enchant him with their musical instruments. This launches his love and fascination for the violin. He eagerly learns to play the violin, and by age eleven he makes his debut on Radio Bucharest. His dreams of further study are cut short by Nazi oppression and the deportation of him at thirteen and his family to Auschwitz. The violin miraculously saves his life in the death camp of Dachau and then after liberation, the violin brings him back from the brink of death as he recovers from a gunshot wound, blood poisoning, tuberculosis and malnutrition. He meets a charming girl in the recovery hospital and begins a new life with her as his wife in the United States. Shony goes on to become a prolific composer, Hollywood performer, concert soloist and Pulitzer Prize nominee. His faith in God and his courage to survive will inspire you. Shony’s loving concern for others with help you realize there is good in the world.

220 pages, Hardcover

First published March 3, 2003

Reviews

[Laura L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book! It is horrible to imagine, but so awe inspiring!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first half of the book. The second half felt more like a list of accomplishments than a story being told. Which is fine, Shony Braun accomplished a lot in his life, the style just was not for me.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book - found out about it in a circuitous way when interested in the author's husband's works. So, so very glad I was able to connect with this book. An incredibly powerful story of faith and the best of humanity and sharing the gifts we've been given!

[PaulaG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biography on an incredible violinist & his love of music & his positive thoughts in spite of his harrowing early years. I’m anxious to listen to some of his music (& I was never a person who appreciated the violin)

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Holocaust survivor and his life after. “God and his music” got him through the horror. Was not very well written but a fast read

[Grizelda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a testimony.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was powerful, inspirational, and extremely touching. Shony Alex Braun is a beauty among humans, and you can tell through his eyes how beautiful and how ugly the world can be. Extremely honest and descriptive, this book has changed my life, and my ability to pursue the things I want, and how to look at the world from a new perspective. I would recommend it to anyone.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book.