The Piano Player of Budapest
On sale
26th June 2025
Price: £12.99
Genre
Biography & True Stories / Biography: Historical, Political & Military / European History / Family History, Tracing Ancestors / Fascism & Nazism / History / History: Specific Events & Topics / Hungary / Individual Composers & Musicians, Specific Bands & Groups / Music / The Holocaust / True Stories Of Heroism, Endurance & Survival / True War & Combat Stories
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Reviews
Resonates for our times
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...
Deeply moving... triumphant
A gripping narrative of suffering, loss and survival, with music at its heart
One of 2024's most anticipated books
Painfully moving
'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.'
'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.'
Stunning. A beautiful blend of action, poetry, thought-provoking comment and music... just brilliant
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
A remarkable story of survival... told with such humanity and lyricism