The Butterfly and the Violin, is the story of two women: Adele Von Bron in 1942 and Sera James in present day Manhattan. Adele Von Bron, once a celebrated Austrian violinist, ends up imprisoned in a WWII concentration camp for smuggling Jews out of Vienna. Sera is an art dealer compelled to find a portrait she once saw in her childhood. The painting is of a young female violinist with piercing blue eyes, shaved hair, and a number tattooed on her arm. Sera discovers this painting is of Adele as a prisoner inside a concentration camp.
The story moves back in forth through time, capturing the essence and culture of both locations. Deep emotions felt by prisoners of WWII are skillfully blended with struggles of faith dealt with today. Though she suffered greatly, Adele found a way to honor God with her music while living inside Auschwitz. She found hope and joy in the worst of circumstances.
Sera is deeply affected by Adele’s story. Through this experience she is able to overcome personal struggles and grow in her current life. The stories of Adele and Sera give us hope that we can live beyond past mistakes and believe in God when we only see evil surrounding us. We are reminded that God’s image in us can never be erased.