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Reviews

Caroline Sanderson, The Bookseller, *Editor's Choice*
Resonates for our times
Baroness Julia Neuberger
I loved this [book]. I expected it to be a more gruelling read, but actually it was very emotional but also very approachable. One can hear Istvan/Stephen's voice and his grand-daughter has done him proud. An extraordinary story, and one that lingers in the mind...
Greg Dawson
Deeply moving... triumphant
Fiona Maddocks (Observer’s classical music critic and author of Goodbye Russia Rachmaninoff in Exile)
A gripping narrative of suffering, loss and survival, with music at its heart
BBC Culture
One of 2024's most anticipated books
Kirkus Reviews
Painfully moving
Fiona Sturges
'An intensely moving and lyrical account of a man's survival in the face of unthinkable hardship and horror. Roxanne de Bastion has done her grandfather proud.'
Julian Borger
'This is a profound and beautiful book, about the power of music to carry hope and love through generations, the refrain of a wistful love song echoing down the decades. The account of one man's escape across Russia's frozen hinterland is unforgettable.'
James Ainscough OBE
Stunning. A beautiful blend of action, poetry, thought-provoking comment and music... just brilliant
Ed Harcourt
Truly remarkable ... beautifully written and completely addictive. Roxanne de Bastion finely balances her grandfather's gripping and traumatic story of survival with the vivid legacy of her family's history. The words dance off the page and it moved me to tears
Kevin Brennan MP
A remarkable story of survival... told with such humanity and lyricism