Coco Schumann, Der Ghetto-Swinger: Eine Jazzlegende erzählt
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.I read a copy of the book that had been translated to English.
I have been reading a lot about the Holocaust lately, specifically the accounts of witness who experiences the atrocities that took place in concentration camps.
This book is not just about the Holocaust, this book is about the life and career of Coco Shumann. I have to say, it was a refreshing take on a horrific time in history.
Coco Shumann truly is a musician who just happened to be in a concentration camp, not a victim of the Holocaust that happens to play music....he sums it up much better in the book, though!
Coco did not let the horrible things that happened to him during WWII define him. Throughout it all, it was always about the music.
I think people overlook the many other things that happened during WWII, such as the swing and jazz club scene in Berlin, and its subsequent ban. I, for one, was completely unaware of its popularity and the dangers that were involved in being a musician during that time.
The edition of the book that I read was translated to English. I believe it was translated rather well. Although it was not the best written book I've ever read, it certainly was not the worst. However, I feel reading it in its original language might add some meaning in some instances.
This book gave me a completely different perspective of life during WWII. I would (and already have) recommended it to others.
