I Must Betray You
Powerful, touching historical novel about 1989 Romania.
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Based on 3 reviews
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that I Will Betray You is award-winning author Ruta Sepetys' fifth historical novel, and her fourth exploring the lives of teens enduring under totalitarian regimes. While Sepetys' former books focused on WWII Europe and then Spain under fascist dictator Francisco Franco, this book is set in 1989 Romania, following 17-year-old Cristian Florescu, whose family lives under the constant threats of Ceaușescu's regime. There's occasional strong language ("s--t," "bastard," "ass") and a few kisses between teens, but there's a great amount of violence. True to the circumstances, the violence is State-sponsored and involves arrest, torture, severe beatings, head shaving, humiliation, and later mass violence that includes sniper's shooting at and tanks driving over peaceful protesters. Spoiler: A couple of beloved characters die in the book's third act. Sepetys' novel is a rare look at an Eastern European protagonist right before the fall of the Iron Curtain. Readers -- both teens and adults -- will learn from the thoroughly researched book.
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What's the Story?
Author Ruta Septys' fifth novel I MUST BETRAY YOU is set in 1989 Bucharest, Romania, a communist country run by totalitarian leader Nicolae Ceaușescu. Seventeen-year-old Cristian Florescu lives in tiny state-provided housing (where the electricity often goes out) with his mother, father, older sister Cici, and beloved but chronically ill Bunu (grandfather), who subversively encourages Cristian's secret desire to be a writer. Cristian is unexpectedly detained at school by The Securitate (secret police) and told he must inform on an American diplomat's teenage son in exchange for medication for Bunu. Cristian is disgusted with himself, because he hates the idea of informing, but he naively believes he can outfox his security handler. As Cristian gets to know his carefree and confident American "target" Dan (whose diplomat parents Sepetys' readers will recognize from The Fountains of Silence), he begins to question why everyone must suffer so much under Ceaușescu's regime, while those in countries the Party vilifies are allowed to think, do, and believe what they want. Cristian also starts up a flirtation with his longtime crush, the quiet and beautiful Liliana Pavel, but soon discovers it's difficult to trust anyone and everyone when he himself is an informant. Soon, the idea of protest seems inevitable, but at what cost?
Is It Any Good?
Few historical fiction authors can make the past come alive like Ruta Sepetys, and this unforgettable coming-of-age story set in dictator-controlled Romania is a testament to her mastery. Cristian is a perfectly imperfect protagonist. He's thoughtful and observant, loves his sister and grandfather, and has a sweet crush on "girl next door" Liliana, who's so much more than she seems. Cristian's connection to his Bunu is especially heartwarming, even though it's Bunu's declining health that persuades the teen to agree to inform (as if he really ever had a choice). Sepetys roots readers in the austerity of '80s Romania. There's an adage that in socialism, everyone shares the wealth, but in communism, everyone shares the poverty. And that's the case with the Florescus, who take turns waiting hours in lines for scraps and think they know which neighbors are "reporters," Securitate, black-market operators, and more. As the story progresses, however, it's clear that Cristian doesn't really know anyone, and that his Bunu was right that no one can be trusted when the Party hears all.
Cristian's relationship with the Van Dorn family, particularly Dan -- the target of his informing -- is particularly fascinating, because it illustrates the various personality and mindset differences between someone born and bred in a dictatorship and someone raised in a democracy. The two teen boys bond over stamps and small outings to the American Library, where Cristian discovers through a Time magazine that nearby Eastern Bloc countries like Poland, East Germany, Hungary, and Bulgaria have all managed what Romanians had not -- to overthrow their dictatorships and demand their independence. Sepetys once again weaves in a beautifully developed romance to the serious proceedings, and Liliana is an amazing role model of courage, resilience, and integrity. Despite the necessary exposition to provide historical context, Cristian's story is engaging and emotional. Parts of I Must Betray You are difficult to read, and there are no pat happily ever afters. This is a stirring book about a young man's desire for more, not just for himself but for his country.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in I Must Betray You. How are the scenes of torture and references to State-sponsored murder important to the authenticity of the story?
What did you learn about the history of communist Romania? Does the book make you interested in learning more about Romanian history, the formerly communist countries of Eastern Europe?
Who do you consider a role model? How did they exhibit courage, perseverance, compassion, and empathy? Why are those important character strengths?
The author's novels all deal with history and most are particularly about life during wartime or totalitarian/authoritarian governments. How does silence, informing, and distrust play a role in this and previous Ruta Sepetys books?
Book Details
- Author: Ruta Sepetys
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Topics: Activism, Friendship, High School, History
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
- Publication date: February 1, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 18
- Number of pages: 336
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: February 21, 2022
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