The Keeper of Secrets    by Julie Thomas Order:  USA  Can William Morrow, 2013 (2013) Softcover, e-Book      Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth In 1935 Berlin, war was already in the background. Hitler was on the move. Jews were fleeing Europe. Those who stayed were sure they had nothing to fear because they had important positions. We all know how wrong they were. The Horowitz Family stayed. They found it hard to believe they would be targeted by Hitler's goon squads. In shock, they watched their home looted by storm troopers and their valuables carted off by men who knew nothing of irreplaceable art. One piece highly valued by Simon Horowitz, the second son, was a rare 1742 Guarneri del Gesu violin that he longed to master. Highly talented, he treasured this instrument. His family had owned the violin for over one hundred and fifty years. In The Keeper of Secrets, we trace the succeeding years of the violin's existence. We see the family in Dachau Concentration Camp and read of the horror inflicted on the prisoners. No matter how long ago it was, we shall never forget nor forgive. When the world emerges from World War II, Simon's fourteen-year-old grandson fights with himself to decide whether to be a baseball player or a concert violinist! The precious violin plays a big role in this well written novel. It is said to have 'a sound as haunting and sweet as the tears of an angel'. The Keeper of Secrets will bring tears to your eyes as it will also bring joy to your heart. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Historical books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews