There are many books on my bookshelves that I would hold up as examples as to why I love purchasing physical print copies of novels, and I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys has been added to that group. Sure, there is cover art, the sound of turning pages, and even that wonderful book smell. But there is also the feel of the pages and cover, the font, and even the weight of the book in my hands. But I digress...today's selection is the latest young adult historical fiction from Sepetys, who always provides a thrilling story that is both engaging and educational.
The Situation: Seventeen year-old Cristian Florescu is doing his best, but life is hard in late 1980s Romania. When he is not in school, he can often be seen waiting in line for food like many others, though often he ends up with very little to show for his time standing in the bitter cold. The five members of his family - him, his older sister, his mother, his father, and his grandfather - all share a tiny apartment, where the electricity can be cut off at any moment, the heat is non-existent, and Cristian's room is actually a closet. But quite possibly the worst thing about his home is how certain he is that the government can see and hear everything he does. And this is not only true for the apartment. No matter where Cristian is at any moment, he must be careful about what he says and what he does, as well as who he interacts with.
The Problem: When an agent summons Cristian to the school office, his life becomes much more complicated, and dangerous. It seems that someone close to him has informed on him, and the agent has an assignment: go to the apartment of the American diplomat that his mother cleans for and provide information on him, his family, and the layout of the apartment. The stress of becoming an informer is bad enough, but knowing that someone close to him betrayed him is even worse. It truly could have been anyone, and now he must do that same thing. However, Cristian knows there is another option, one that involves joining a fight against the tyranny, and hopefully letting the world see what is really going on in Romania. He knows risking such actions may cost him everything, but at this point, does he really have much to lose?
Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction novel set in Romania in 1989. The country's leader, Nicolae Ceausescu, holds a power over his people that keeps them in constant fear. Not only are they afraid of authorities, but they are afraid of their own neighbors, co-workers, and even family members. The dictator has managed to turn the Romanian people against each other. This is what happens to the main character of the story, 17 year-old Cristian, who makes it clear that anyone, even a member of his own family, could be spying on him. And although Cristian is recruited as an informer, he still listens to his grandfather, who is incredibly vocal on his thoughts about the Romania government, and keeps the family radio illegally-tuned to Radio Free Europe. Fear and suspicion may be a way of life, but so is a desire for freedom and justice.
My Verdict: What drew me to Septeys' writing years ago when I first read Between Shades of Gray was her storytelling, and the unique perspective she provides of historical events. This time, she takes on a subject that many in the U.S. know little about. In fact, in the author's note, she admits that her own ignorance led her to begin researching this difficult period of history for the country of Romania. If her aim is to inspire curiosity and a desire to learn more, I am certain she has succeeded, using Cristian's story as a compelling fictionalized introduction into the subject. The suspicion and fear is heavy and ever-present, as is the feeling that as careful as Cristian thinks he is, his actions are still putting him in danger. The pacing is perfect, and the tension is masterfully built. Not only will young historical fiction readers enjoy this book, but adults will also find it engaging and fascinating.
Favorite Moment: Part of Cristian's assignment is to accompany the diplomat's son to the American library. I enjoyed seeing the American library through Cristian's eyes, since not only is he not used to seeing American publications, but it is actually illegal for him to read or possess them.
Favorite Character: Cristian is a solid young man who longs for freedom. Some of his decisions are foolish and short-sighted, but he is courageous, and smart, and an insightful writer.
Recommended Reading: I recommend Between Shades of Gray, as well as Sepetys' previous novel, The Fountains of Silence. This book also often reminded me of George Orwell's 1984 with its themes of surveillance and control.
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