THE VIOLIN THIEF

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.

A nice story that's essentially a mystery. Musicians and non-musicians will enjoy this. I don't know if this will find an audience, but I suspect that those that pick it will enjoy it.

I really appreciate the free ARC for review!!

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.

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.

AN 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, 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. No complaints about piano student, Violette, who captures his heart.

AN 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. For Douglas only one thing is certain. Navigating a fractured future will require courage, forgiveness, and the balm of human kindness.

A STARTLING COMING-OF-AGE TALE that twines magical realism with musical history and legend. The Violin Thief explores complexities of the human heart, and the grace of music.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️