Historical Fiction Book Review: A Song Unheard

Publisher's Description

"Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I--to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales.

Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he's won--until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father's work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.

But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn't--that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has."

My Review

A Song Unheard, by Roseanna M. White, is the second book in the amazing Shadows over England series. Set in Great Britain and Belgium at the beginning of the twentieth century, A Song Unheard is an absolutely stunning historical fiction novel.

With each carefully chosen word and phrase, Ms. White has succeeded in composing a well-written story that is surprisingly unique, wholly intriguing, and intensely compelling. With great skill, thorough research, and thoughtful insight, Ms. White arranges elements of history, mystery, suspense, danger, deception, romance, faith, and music so that they flow together harmoniously and create an immensely satisfying story that is utterly enjoyable, touching, and thought-provoking. 

Ms. White’s incredible talent as a writer is fully displayed through her symphony of characters. Not only are they genuinely sympathetic in their frailties and failures, but they are also deeply compelling as they struggle to overcome their insecurities, face their fears, and pursue their dreams. They are truly inspiring as they grapple with their desires, wrestle with their doubts, and develop their faith. Like a cherished melody remembered and revisited, the characters and their experiences are unforgettable and moving long after the book has ended.  

I enthusiastically recommend this novel. Ms. White is a gifted author and her books always provide a very enjoyable and satisfying reading experience.

My Reflection 

The plight of the poor and the decisions and actions that arise from poverty are central themes in this novel that enrich the story and provide plenty of ideas to ponder. Within the pages of this book there are friends and foes, moments of grace and moments of despair. There is redemption for the lost, but there is also struggle and pain and doubt. There are legacies of hurt and sorrow that can only be overcome with honesty, humility, and forgiveness, as the characters come to accept and surrender to the unconditional love of Jesus. Even within the fictional setting of this novel, I greatly appreciate that there are no easy solutions to difficult problems. But there is always a gentle refrain of hope that sings a melody into the darkest moments offering second chances, new beginnings, and changed hearts. 

Click here to purchase a copy of this novel for yourself. 

*I was a given a copy of this novel by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.