Echo is such a unique book. I struggle to describe it accurately because when I think back on it, there is so much that stands out, but I can never make it sound as exceptional as I found it to be.

If you have the opportunity to listen to the audiobook, I highly recommend it. Music is integral to the story, and the audiobook incorporates music throughout the novel.

The book tells 5 stories linked throughout time, different countries, and even worlds(?). The story begins "50 years before the war to end all wars" with Otto, a young boy with an enchanted harmonica and an unfinished book. Otto's story intertwines with a fairy tale about the origins of the enchanted harmonica, and how three sisters had their souls bound to it in a witch's curse. To break the spell, Otto must send the harmonica out into the world.

The fairy tale, along with Otto's story, bookends the novel. In the middle, the reader meets three children- Friedrich, Mike, and Ivy- who have been lucky enough to own the harmonica, at least for a while. Friedrich's story takes place in 1933, Germany, during the Nazi's rise to power. Friedrich was born with a large port-wine stain birthmark on his face and deals with bullying, along with learning how dangerous it can be to have anti-Nazi opinions. Mike's story takes place in Philadelphia during the Great Depression, where he and his younger brother live in an orphanage. Finally, Ivy's story takes place following Pearl Harbor in Southern California. After moving to yet another new school, Ivy faces discrimination based on her family's heritage. Additionally, she witnesses how Japanese families are treated during this time.

Each of the children turns to music in times of trouble. The harmonica brings them comfort and happiness, but each of them understands they won't need it forever. As the story changes, the reader must remember how the book began: with a fairy tale. We have to trust that, like many fairy tales, this book will also end with a "happily ever after."