What would you do if you found out those closest to you could be spying on you? What if you yourself have to be a spy? The author Ruta Sepetys of I Must Betray You brings readers the history of what it’s like to be an informer in communist Romania in the 1980s. Follow Cristian’s journey as he becomes what he never wished to be and how he uses this to break the system which has been holding him and everyone he cares about in fear. Ruta Sepetys brings twists and turns throughout this story as this hidden history comes to life after being buried for so long. Showing how the monsters of Romania don’t all have fangs, this story allows readers to see that a world of fear is only doomed to be destroyed if people don’t stand up against it.
Many members of the book club did not know much about the history of Romania before reading I Must Betray You. It was shocking to see how many historic events were hidden. Even more surprising because it happened only about forty years ago. The members also learned about the horrors the Romanian people dealt with and how America and the rest of the world was fooled by the dictatorship. The Romanians’ fear was strong, and while many today still face the hardship of forgetting the pain of the past, they are moving on for the better. This gave many members of the book club ideas about what it would be like to face these divides in families based on being an informant. Would those family members be forgiven after this betrayal?
Conversations about this book connected to the author Ruta Sepetys, who visited the school in September, and her role as a storyteller of lost stories. The book is a good example of the uniqueness in historical fiction, a change from the common focus of World War II stories. The impact of this story has to be remembered like other powerful stories. Ekaterina Roberts, a member of the James Caldwell High School Book Club explained that “reading this can really expand your world view and allows you to understand the impact of lesser known events have on people.” This can bring great understanding to all who read this book, not just members of the book club, but all who are willing to open up their mind and heart to this hidden chapter in history.
Members in general liked the book I Must Betray You and some thought it was one of Ruta Sepetys’ best works. This is a type of book that those who like reading historical fiction or any type of book would enjoy. In conclusion, I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys is an eye opening look into the struggles, turmoil and pain of the Romanian people, yet this story also brings a sense of hope, determination, and strength.
