In Ruta Sepetys’s latest novel, I Must Betray You, World War II comes to a small Lithuanian town. After the Soviets occupy their land and start imposing their own harsh rule, sixteen-year-old Lina finds her world turned upside down. She must keep silent about her family’s anti-Soviet activities or face interrogation and possible imprisonment. But when she meets another teenaged resistance fighter, Juozas, she falls in love and realizes that silence is not the answer. Forced to choose between betraying her loved ones or betraying herself – and risking everything for what she believes in – Lina decides on a third path: escape. Pursued by Soviet authorities yet fueled by hope, Lina makes an incredible journey from occupied Lithuania to war-torn Germany . . . and finally into freedom.” You will enjoy I Must Betray You if you enjoy historical fiction with a romantic element.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for teens and young adults who enjoy historical fiction with a romantic element.
Pros :
- The author does a great job of portraying the characters’ emotions and thoughts, allowing readers to really connect with them.
- The plot is exciting and fast-paced, leaving readers wanting more.
- Sepetys’s writing is beautiful and lyrical, making for an enjoyable reading experience.
Cons :
- The book may be too slow for some readers
- The ending could have been more conclusive
- Some of the historical content may be disturbing to some readers
Learn more about the author
Ruta Sepetys is the acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of Between Shades of Gray, an international sensation that has been published in over forty-five languages. She is also the author of Out of The Easy, a Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist set in 1950s New Orleans; and Salt to the Sea, which was awarded the Carnegie Medal Commended citation.Born in Michigan, Ruta lives with her family near Nashville, Tennessee.
Reader Reviews
“Lina is an incredibly strong and inspiring protagonist who will leave you rooting for her the whole way through. Ruta Sepetys delivers another beautiful, heart-wrenching story that brings to life the lesser known European stories of World War II.”
“5 STARS! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Ruta Sepetys has a beautiful way of writing that sucks you into the story and makes you feel everything her characters are feeling. This is an intense, emotional read about betrayal, love, hope, and survival during WWII.”
“Beautifully written and captivating from beginning to end, Ruta Sepetys has once again proven herself a master of historical fiction.”
“I Could not put this book down! I loved the story and all of the characters. Ruta Sepetys has a beautiful way with words that makes you feel like you are right there in the middle of everything!”
