Book review - Broken Strings

Title: Broken Strings
Author: Eric Walters and Kathy Kacer
Genre: realistic fiction
Similar books: Dara Palmer's Major Drama by Emma Shevah
                      The Marvels by Brian Selznick
Rating:

A genuinely compelling read

Summary (provided by publisher): It's 2002. In the aftermath of the twin towers -- and the death of her beloved grandmother -- Shirli Berman is intent on moving forward. The best singer in her junior high, she auditions for the lead role in Fiddler on the Roof, but is crushed to learn that she's been given the part of the old Jewish mother in the musical rather than the coveted part of the sister. But there is an upside: her "husband" is none other than Ben Morgan, the cutest and most popular boy in the school.
Deciding to throw herself into the role, she rummages in her grandfather's attic for some props. There, she discovers an old violin in the corner -- strange, since her Zayde has never seemed to like music, never even going to any of her recitals. Showing it to her grandfather unleashes an anger in him she has never seen before, and while she is frightened of what it might mean, Shirli keeps trying to connect with her Zayde and discover the awful reason behind his anger. A long-kept family secret spills out, and Shirli learns the true power of music, both terrible and wonderful.

My opinion: There's a lot to like about this book. When Shirli doesn't get the part she wants in the play, she learns embrace and appreciate her new role. But that doesn't stop her wishing. While she's happy to play the mother she still longs to play the daughter. A new appreciation doesn't wipe away the old desire.
The book takes us somewhat back in time here, to a world just post 9/11. A world with a much smaller cell phone presence and where kids don't yet feel constantly unsafe. Where we weren't yet at war but islamaphobia was beginning to rear it's ugly head. And we view all these elements through the lens of the Holocaust. The parallels aren't explicitly drawn but a savvy reader will make that connection.
While some plot points are a bit too random, overall it's a joy to read and leaves the reader with elements to reflect upon. It might be well suited to a book club discussion.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley