Sepetys, Ruta. I Must Betray You. Fiction. Philomel, 02/2022. 319pp. $18.99. 978-1-9848-3603-8. OUTSTANDING. GRADES 7-12.
Things are beyond hard in Romania in 1989. Stuck behind the Iron Curtain, 17-year-old Cristian Florescu and his family must deal with cramped, run-down quarters, intermittent power, standing in line for what few crummy products are available, no choice of career, and a constant threat of surveillance. But when Cristian is blackmailed by the secret police to spy on his friends, things go from bad to worse. The only way to avoid becoming what he despises most is to find a way to undermine a ruthless and evil regime that holds twenty-three million Romanians captive. Sepetys spins an electrifying story of revolution, interspersing first-person chapters in Cristian’s voice with secret police reports. Gripping and fast-paced, the rich historical detail is leavened by detailed characters, the wit of Cristian’s interior monologue, and a believable romantic interest. Back matter includes many photographs, excerpts from political figures, and an author’s note that provides research context and extensive sources. A brilliant and entertaining work of historical fiction that is dismayingly relevant.
Melissa McAvoy, Retired