Some Reviews from Amazon...

Grosse Fugue: A journey through 20th century Europe.
By 'A' ... read review on Amazon
This book is an enthralling work taking us from the ghettoes of Eastern Europe to modern-day England and Israel. The book is extremely well documented and enables us to get very close to Reuben, the protagonist, whose ordeals we share. We fully understand how music enables Reuben to live once again. The first few pages are a little hard to get used to, the style appears a bit pompous, but once we get used to it, we can't put the book down. An amazing and courageous first work, which should interest Jews and non-Jews alike. Let's hope Ian Phillips will soon publish a second novel.

Impressive and enlightening first novel
By 'LGreen' ... read review on Amazon
Ian Phillip's first novel invites the reader to go on a journey following Ruben Mendell, a gifted Jewish musician, through WW2 and the holocaust and beyond. The beauty of Phillip's prose when detailing the passion of Ruben's musical accomplishments is in stark contrast to his graphic portrayal of the horrors of the holocaust. It is this literary juxtaposition that echoes the human triumph of hope and love over cruelty and despair. As the story unwinds, the reader is both educated (the book is immaculately researched) and moved (tissues compulsory!). As if this isn't enough, Ruben's political solutions will leave you thinking long after you have finished this book. I highly recommend this first novel for anyone who's looking for a more meaty summer read.

What a debut novel!
By 'Andrew Lloyd-Skinner' ... read review on Amazon
While it took me the first 50 pages to become accustomed to the author's writing style, this is more due to my own deficiencies than the brilliantly descriptive use of words in what is a moving and compelling story of a musically gifted European Jew and his family from prior to WW1 through the Holocast to present day. You might think this story has been told before, not like this it hasn't, it is the best read I can remember. The story of the hero (Reuben Mendell) and how his experiences result in his fairly controversial opinions towards the end of the book is hugely compelling.

Gripping saga
By 'Elx' ... read review on Amazon
Over the years I've read many books about pre ww1 Europe, both wars, between the wars and the holocaust, but never one which covers them all from one person's/family's point of view - 'Grosse Fugue' has given me a whole new perspective on the suffering of the Jewish community and has truly opened my eyes. The characterisation is excellent and I couldn't put the book down for the need to discover what would happen next to Reuben and his family. Furthermore, as an (old) punk, the book still drew me in to the music of Beethoven's Late String Quartets, in particular the 'Grosse Fugue' itself and I immediately sought it out on Spotify and then rushed out to buy the collection for myself. In conclusion - an excellent read which will stay with you and give you plenty to think about and discuss. Very highly recommended!

An amazing read
By 'S Morris' ... read review on Amazon
An amazing read, quite un-put-down-able. You become truly involved with Reuben and the Mendel family, and care deeply for them A tremendous amount of research has gone into this book, and you closely follow their journey through all its trials. This book is beautifully and most thoughtfully written, and will give you much to discuss. I highly recommend this excellent book. S M.

Read all the reviews of Grosse Fugue on Amazon here.