I Must Betray You
Sepetys, R. (2023). I Must Betray You. Penguin Young Readers Group. ISBN 978-1984836045
Plot Summary:
Romania, 1989. Communist regimes are crumbling across Europe. Seventeen-year-old Cristian Florescu dreams of becoming a writer, but Romanians aren’t free to dream; they are bound by rules and force.
Amidst the tyrannical dictatorship of Nicolae Ceaușescu in a country governed by isolation and fear, Cristian is blackmailed by the secret police to become an informer. He’s left with only two choices: betray everyone and everything he loves—or use his position to creatively undermine the most notoriously evil dictator in Eastern Europe.
Cristian risks everything to unmask the truth behind the regime, give voice to fellow Romanians, and expose to the world what is happening in his country. He eagerly joins the revolution to fight for change when the time arrives. But what is the cost of freedom?
(Sepetys, n.d.)
Analysis:
Ruta Sepetys hooks you from the opening scenes of this historical fiction novel. The oppression of the Romanian people is revealed as the author keeps you guessing who you can trust. This book sheds light on the heroic efforts and sacrifices made by ordinary people who quietly fought for their freedom. Secrets revealed at the end of the novel were masterfully hidden throughout the pages. When I finished the book, I wanted to reread it knowing what I knew after the first read. This historical fiction work made me think about my own freedom of expression and reminded me how powerful that is. I would recommend this book to any YA reader without hesitation.
Book Reviews:
“As educational as it is thrilling...[T]he power of I Must Betray You [is] it doesn’t just describe the destabilizing effects of being spied on; it will make you experience them too.”
–New York Times Book Review
"Sepetys brilliantly blends a staggering amount of research with heart, craft, and insight in a way very few writers can. Compulsively readable and brilliant."
–Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Sepetys’s latest book maintains the caliber readers have come to expect from an author whose focus on hidden histories has made her a YA powerhouse of historical fiction…Sepetys is a formidable writer, and her stories declare the need to write about global issues of social injustice. For that reason and her attention to detail, this is a must-read.
–School Library Journal, starred review
Connections:
The historical relevance of this novel lends itself to any number of discussions and activities. This book will enhance lessons about freedom, oppression, and our connection to the rest of the world.
Awards:
Winner of the Josette Frank Award for Fiction ♦ An NPR Best Book of the Year ♦ An Amazon Best Book of the Year ♦ A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year ♦ A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year ♦ A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year ♦ A Christian Science Monitor Best Book of the Year ♦ A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year ♦ A Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year ♦ A YALSA Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults Pick ♦ A Goodreads Choice Award Nominee
This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5385.
Thank you for sharing your review of this historical fiction book. I also read this one and was very moved by the story! Yes, going back and rereading the story is a good idea after learning what you do at the end!
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