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The Violin Thief: A Curious Tale of Lost & Found
What links an abandoned violin, a crime…and a miracle?
THE ORPHAN
It’s 1941, in the idyllic Adirondacks. A wondrous violin is charming six-year-old Douglas Tryzyna. In her wordless language she tells him they are destined to spark kindness and joy, together. Overawed, Douglas names the violin Magic Muriel. His guardian, perturbed by her charge’s infatuation, seeks help.
THE ARROGANT FATHER & A RESENTFUL SON
Professor Stoya, recent Berlin émigré, accepts Douglas into his music conservatory. This teacher, who craves fame for himself and his obstinate son, Willi, knows exactly how to trap Douglas, long-term, for his purposes. Douglas, an avid student, falls prey to the Professor’s dictates, and worse, he’s stuck with Will’s fickle friendship. Meanwhile, poetic piano student, Violette, captures his heart.
THE OPPORTUNITY & OBSESSION
1953. Just when Douglas’ benevolent destiny with Magic Muriel seems possible, a clash of desires sets off a chain reaction of ruinous events. Distressed adults, desperate Willi, and a conflicted sweetheart juggle the situation. For Douglas, only one thing is certain. Navigating a fractured future will require courage, forgiveness, and the balm of kindness.
A STARTLING COMING-OF-AGE TALE that twines magical realism with musical history and legend.
A novel that explores complexities of the heart, and the grace of music.
THE ORPHAN
It’s 1941, in the idyllic Adirondacks. A wondrous violin is charming six-year-old Douglas Tryzyna. In her wordless language she tells him they are destined to spark kindness and joy, together. Overawed, Douglas names the violin Magic Muriel. His guardian, perturbed by her charge’s infatuation, seeks help.
THE ARROGANT FATHER & A RESENTFUL SON
Professor Stoya, recent Berlin émigré, accepts Douglas into his music conservatory. This teacher, who craves fame for himself and his obstinate son, Willi, knows exactly how to trap Douglas, long-term, for his purposes. Douglas, an avid student, falls prey to the Professor’s dictates, and worse, he’s stuck with Will’s fickle friendship. Meanwhile, poetic piano student, Violette, captures his heart.
THE OPPORTUNITY & OBSESSION
1953. Just when Douglas’ benevolent destiny with Magic Muriel seems possible, a clash of desires sets off a chain reaction of ruinous events. Distressed adults, desperate Willi, and a conflicted sweetheart juggle the situation. For Douglas, only one thing is certain. Navigating a fractured future will require courage, forgiveness, and the balm of kindness.
A STARTLING COMING-OF-AGE TALE that twines magical realism with musical history and legend.
A novel that explores complexities of the heart, and the grace of music.
493 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2022
13 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 22, 2022
What a delightful, and surprising story of musicians, deception, the human heart and condition all rolled into a tale of a special violin. Genie Higbee tells a story of a young boy with some disability growing up- while giving a glimpse into the life cycles of musicians.
In this story- we meet Douglas, a young orphan who does not speak, even at the age of five. He's being raised sensibly with 3 other orphaned children by a hodgepodge set of people who seem wildly dissimilar in a home in upstate NY.
One night, Douglas is out and sees an enormous fire consume the farm property next door. The next day he spies amid the wreckage of the fire- a violin. The instrument seems to speak to him! He plucks it up and returns home, and adventure, love and heartbreak ensue! Interacting with the violin- that speaks only to him on an otherworldly frequency- Douglass begin to speak - and enter more fully into the world- if only to learn more about his beloved violin. As he progresses, Douglas finds his unique focus and passion to be a source of joy and sorrow. He's both cherished for his gift, and also used mercilessly by both his peers and adults because of it, never purposely seeking fame or fortune his mere existence with his focus and talent enrages those with such dreams. This comes to a head when Douglas is in competition with his instructors son, and both the violin that Douglas cherishes and a priceless violin are stolen. Douglas runs off in shame and is presumed dead. He survives and is found in Canada where he begins a slow process of healing physically and emotionally.
I'm not sure if Douglas was intended to be written as an autistic person, but it seemed to me that he was indeed autistic, with his slow to develop speech, special interest in the violin, inability to read others emotions as well as a well developed sense of the concept of justice. The story is set in the late 1930's-1950's when autism as a diagnosis did not exist, though autistic people obviously did. I appreciate that author doesn't dwell on these traits extensively, as they are part and parcel of the personality and essence of Douglas.
I've giving this 4.25 of 5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would purchase it as a gift for some of my musical pals. The thing holding me back from 5 stars, honestly was that there is a bit of a mystery about who his mother is, and I was hoping that would be more clearly resolved, but instead, it just kind of hangs there at the end.
In this story- we meet Douglas, a young orphan who does not speak, even at the age of five. He's being raised sensibly with 3 other orphaned children by a hodgepodge set of people who seem wildly dissimilar in a home in upstate NY.
One night, Douglas is out and sees an enormous fire consume the farm property next door. The next day he spies amid the wreckage of the fire- a violin. The instrument seems to speak to him! He plucks it up and returns home, and adventure, love and heartbreak ensue! Interacting with the violin- that speaks only to him on an otherworldly frequency- Douglass begin to speak - and enter more fully into the world- if only to learn more about his beloved violin. As he progresses, Douglas finds his unique focus and passion to be a source of joy and sorrow. He's both cherished for his gift, and also used mercilessly by both his peers and adults because of it, never purposely seeking fame or fortune his mere existence with his focus and talent enrages those with such dreams. This comes to a head when Douglas is in competition with his instructors son, and both the violin that Douglas cherishes and a priceless violin are stolen. Douglas runs off in shame and is presumed dead. He survives and is found in Canada where he begins a slow process of healing physically and emotionally.
I'm not sure if Douglas was intended to be written as an autistic person, but it seemed to me that he was indeed autistic, with his slow to develop speech, special interest in the violin, inability to read others emotions as well as a well developed sense of the concept of justice. The story is set in the late 1930's-1950's when autism as a diagnosis did not exist, though autistic people obviously did. I appreciate that author doesn't dwell on these traits extensively, as they are part and parcel of the personality and essence of Douglas.
I've giving this 4.25 of 5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would purchase it as a gift for some of my musical pals. The thing holding me back from 5 stars, honestly was that there is a bit of a mystery about who his mother is, and I was hoping that would be more clearly resolved, but instead, it just kind of hangs there at the end.
November 2, 2022
WoW THE VIOLIN THIEF by Genie Higbee was a beautifully written book and the cover was just beautiful. I really enjoyed reading this and is a great quick holiday read.
December 16, 2025
A Story That Listens to the Heart
This novel feels like an intimate conversation between music and memory. From the moment Douglas encounters the violin he names Magic Muriel, the story unfolds with a quiet tenderness that lingers long after the final page. The author beautifully captures childhood innocence and the ache of longing that follows us into adulthood. The emotional realism is striking, particularly in how Douglas seeks kindness in a world shaped by ambition and control. This is not just a book about music but about how art becomes a refuge when human relationships falter.
This novel feels like an intimate conversation between music and memory. From the moment Douglas encounters the violin he names Magic Muriel, the story unfolds with a quiet tenderness that lingers long after the final page. The author beautifully captures childhood innocence and the ache of longing that follows us into adulthood. The emotional realism is striking, particularly in how Douglas seeks kindness in a world shaped by ambition and control. This is not just a book about music but about how art becomes a refuge when human relationships falter.
December 16, 2025
What makes this book exceptional is its nuanced portrayal of authority and vulnerability. Professor Stoya is not a simple antagonist but a deeply flawed human being whose hunger for recognition shapes every interaction. Douglas and Willi become emotional casualties of this ambition, and the resulting tension feels painfully real. The story invites readers to reflect on the cost of manipulation and the quiet strength it takes to remain gentle in a harsh environment.
December 16, 2025
Music as a Living Character
Magic Muriel is not merely an object but a presence that breathes through the narrative. The author succeeds in making the violin feel alive, almost sentient, without losing emotional credibility. Readers who have ever felt a deep connection to art or creativity will recognize themselves in Douglas. The magical realism elements are subtle and tasteful, enhancing rather than overwhelming the historical setting.
Magic Muriel is not merely an object but a presence that breathes through the narrative. The author succeeds in making the violin feel alive, almost sentient, without losing emotional credibility. Readers who have ever felt a deep connection to art or creativity will recognize themselves in Douglas. The magical realism elements are subtle and tasteful, enhancing rather than overwhelming the historical setting.
December 14, 2025
Magic Muriel is more than just a violin—it’s hope, love, and the embodiment of a dream. The story captures the fragility of youth and the bittersweetness of growing up, all while weaving a magical realism that feels both tender and profound. I could smell the Adirondacks, hear the music, and feel the weight of Douglas’ choices.
December 14, 2025
What struck me most was the authenticity of the emotions. Douglas’ longing, the cruelty he faces, and the beauty of small miracles felt so real. I was completely immersed in the 1940s and 1950s, yet the themes of love, ambition, and forgiveness are timeless. I found myself reflecting on my own dreams and relationships while reading this.
December 14, 2025
I can honestly say this book stayed with me long after I turned the last page. The music and magical elements are intertwined in a way that makes you believe in the impossible. I especially loved Violette’s quiet strength, she brought warmth to a story that could have easily been all struggle and pain.
December 16, 2025
Douglas journey from a wide eyed child to a conflicted young adult is portrayed with honesty and compassion. His emotional growth feels earned rather than forced. The story understands that maturity does not come from success alone but from forgiveness, loss, and the courage to choose kindness even when it hurts. This is a deeply human narrative.
December 16, 2025
This novel excels at exploring emotional complexity without melodrama. The relationships are layered, especially the fragile bond between Douglas and Willi. Their connection mirrors real friendships shaped by envy, loyalty, and misunderstanding. The book gently reminds us that love and resentment often coexist, especially when shaped by parental expectations.
December 16, 2025
This novel moved me in a quiet and lasting way. The bond between Douglas and the violin feels alive and tender. It reminded me how objects can carry memory comfort and even hope. The author writes emotions with care and patience. I felt like I was growing alongside Douglas as he learned about trust love and pain. Music is not just a theme here it is a voice that speaks when words fail.
December 16, 2025
Music as Comfort and Calling
This book shows how music can save a lonely child and also complicate his life. Douglas feels deeply relatable especially for readers who found safety in art as children. The violin Magic Muriel feels almost human and that makes the story gentle and magical. I loved how the author balanced beauty with struggle without forcing emotion.
This book shows how music can save a lonely child and also complicate his life. Douglas feels deeply relatable especially for readers who found safety in art as children. The violin Magic Muriel feels almost human and that makes the story gentle and magical. I loved how the author balanced beauty with struggle without forcing emotion.
December 16, 2025
An Emotional and Thoughtful Read
This story stayed with me long after I finished. Douglas love for the violin is pure and hopeful while the world around him is complicated and sometimes cruel. The contrast makes the emotional moments stronger. The writing is clear and easy to follow yet deeply expressive.
This story stayed with me long after I finished. Douglas love for the violin is pure and hopeful while the world around him is complicated and sometimes cruel. The contrast makes the emotional moments stronger. The writing is clear and easy to follow yet deeply expressive.
December 16, 2025
Beautifully Written and Deeply Felt
This book reads like music itself soft in some places intense in others. Douglas relationship with Violette added warmth and tenderness. Their connection felt natural and sincere. The emotional pacing is slow but rewarding and allows the reader to truly feel each moment.
This book reads like music itself soft in some places intense in others. Douglas relationship with Violette added warmth and tenderness. Their connection felt natural and sincere. The emotional pacing is slow but rewarding and allows the reader to truly feel each moment.
December 1, 2022
A very interesting story about the Red Violin. Well documented and characters that guided you through the feelings of playing a violin and the love of a violin. With a mystery and true facts it made for a excellent read. will recommend it to family and friends.
December 16, 2025
The novel shows how kindness can exist even in painful situations. I especially liked how forgiveness is treated as a process not a quick solution. Willi character felt painfully real and his inner conflict added depth to the story. This is not just about music but about becoming human.
December 16, 2025
A Story of Control and Courage
Professor Stoya is one of the most interesting characters I have read recently. His ambition is unsettling yet believable. Watching Douglas slowly find his own voice was inspiring. This book asks important questions about authority talent and personal freedom.
Professor Stoya is one of the most interesting characters I have read recently. His ambition is unsettling yet believable. Watching Douglas slowly find his own voice was inspiring. This book asks important questions about authority talent and personal freedom.
December 16, 2025
There were moments in this book that genuinely broke my heart especially when Douglas felt trapped by expectations. Yet hope is always present. The theme of kindness as a healing force is powerful and comforting. This book understands emotional pain very well.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews