“Germany was being run by a loudmouthed rabble-rouser, bent on baiting other nations to war and making life miserable for countless innocent citizens. And here they were, drinking champagne and dancing to Scott Joplin.” — Jessica Shattuck Copy Share Image
“Years later, as a professor, Martin would try to find the words to articulate the power of togetherness in a world where togetherness had been corrupted -- and to explore the effect of the music, the surprising lengths the people had gone to to hear it and to play it, as evidence that music, and art in general, are basic… — Jessica Shattuck Copy Share
“Yet here they were, carrying groceries, holding children’s hands, turning their collars up against the wind. As if their moments of truth—the decisions by… — Jessica Shattuck Copy Share Image
“Hitler was a lunatic, a leader whose lowbrow appeal to people’s most selfish, self-pitying emotions and ignorance was an embarrassment for their country.” — Jessica Shattuck Copy Share Image
“Martin was swept up in the sound—no longer blood and bone, frozen feet and hungry belly, but an empty vessel filling with notes, carried… — Jessica Shattuck Copy Share Image
“Americans can face the world with open arms, Marianne had once said, because the world hasn’t yet come to knock it down.” — Jessica Shattuck Copy Share Image
“This music had been played and heard before and would be again, not only here in this church, but in places all over the… — Jessica Shattuck Copy Share Image
“Instead she squeezes Mary’s arm and appreciates her kindness. Her understanding. This is why people have children, even when they believe the world is… — Jessica Shattuck Copy Share Image
“Benita set the letter down. Connie - her dear Connie, whom she had never even said good-bye to. Whom she had hated - really… — Jessica Shattuck Copy Share Image
“They had wrung their hands over his dangerous conflations, his fervor, and his lack of humanity. But Freddy Lederer’s account was something new to… — Jessica Shattuck Copy Share Image
“In the future, Martin will recall this night as the first time -- and one of the only times -- he ever saw Germans… — Jessica Shattuck Copy Share Image
“expedience could not take precedence over the pursuit of justice.” — Jessica Shattuck Copy Share Image
“her dearest friends were like dreams she had woken from. How had she missed so much?” — Jessica Shattuck Copy Share Image
