‘A Song in the Dark’ Book Review

Kimberley Woodhouse’s dedication to producing a historically accurate novel about World War II was admirable in A Song in the Dark. Her work allowed the reader to peel back the curtains of time and see Europe before WWII ravaged the land. The characters wrestled with the political uncertainty, the horrors quietly occurring under Hilter’s regime, and how they could stand up against evil.

Summary of A Song in the Dark

Two things were extraordinary about Chaisley Frappier. First, she was considered to be the best pianist in the world. Second, she had been completely blind since a horrible childhood accident. Chaisley lived quietly, pouring her heart and soul into her music. With the help of Melanie, her closest friend, she was able to go from concert to concert without anyone knowing about her disability. It was a closely guarded secret, for good reason.

Chaisley was scheduled for an 18-month concert tour throughout Europe, starting in 1938. Political tensions had never been higher, and Chaisley refused to live in the dark by ignoring what was happening. Her music became more than entertainment…it became a lifeline for Jews, the physically disabled, and children who had been driven out of homes and school. Chaisley and Melanie committed to smuggling as many targeted people out of Germany as possible, but hosting so many concerts in Germany as a blind woman was becoming more and more dangerous. 

Main Themes

Some of the themes I loved the most in A Song in the Dark were how vital it is to protect the sanctity of life and how everyone is capable of standing up to evil and doing the right thing.

Under the Nazi regime, Chaisley would have been considered worthless as a person and unfit to live. This novel clearly showed the dangers of dehumanizing people who have different beliefs or who have certain disabilities. When a society stops seeing every life as valuable and precious, then evil has full reign and commits horrendous acts of violence. 

Chaisley and Melanie could have easily focused on their work, basked in the applause of the European nations, and ignored the people suffering in Germany. But they didn’t. They refused to let fear keep them from doing what was right and devoted themselves to using their position of influence and prestige to rescue as many German citizens as possible.

Woodhouse wrote a beautiful, heartbreaking poem in the beginning of A Song in the Dark about how many tried to turn a blind eye. Facing the reality that another massive war was coming was too painful and terrifying to consider. Only a few were willing to actively stand up and do something about the evil and hatred that was spreading throughout their continent.

Faith Elements

When the sacredness of life is disregarded and God is scorned, nothing good ever follows. Woodhouse made this truth abundantly clear in her novel by pointing out how much a person’s faith influences their actions. Every life, no matter how broken, is a gift from God. And with the strength and courage that only comes from God, the characters were able to push past fear and uncertainty. Bold faith saves lives, which is an excellent reminder for Christians today as well. 

Family Friendly Considerations

I think historical novels are powerful, especially for children. Dark times in history might be hard to read about, but we cannot risk forgetting the lessons and warnings passed down through generations. I would absolutely recommend this book to families who want a clean novel to spark discussions about WWII.

There are several intense scenes of learning about some of the horrors happening under Hitler, a few military action scenes, and one scene where one character is attacked, but escapes unharmed. Considering the time in history, this is a very mild novel and is absolutely family friendly.

Interested in Similar Reads?

If you love A Song in the Dark, you might also enjoy these historical novels:

• The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White
• Last Light over Galveston by Jennifer L. Wright

Buy A Song in the Dark from the FamilyFiction Amazon Affiliate HERE!