84 pages 2 hours read

Ruta Sepetys

I Must Betray You

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2022

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys follows 17-year-old Cristian Florescu in 1989 Bucharest as he navigates the oppressive regime of Nicolae Ceauşescu. Cristian is coerced into informing on an American diplomat family to obtain medicine for his grandfather, deals with guilt from his actions, forms a secret bond with his peer Liliana, and ultimately joins the revolution against the regime while discovering painful truths about loyalty and betrayal. Violence, surveillance, and oppression are depicted.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Ruta Sepetys' I Must Betray You has been praised for its compelling portrayal of life under a totalitarian regime in 1989 Romania, with vivid characters and a gripping narrative that immerses readers in historical events. However, some critics feel the pacing is uneven, and a few characters lack depth. Despite minor flaws, the novel is a powerful, educational read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read I Must Betray You?

A reader who enjoys I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys is typically enthralled by historical fiction with a strong sense of place and well-researched details. Fans of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and Between Shades of Gray also by Sepetys will appreciate the intimate, human perspective on significant historical events and the emotional depth of the characters.

Recommended

Reading Age

14-18years

Lexile Level

HL500L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Topics

Military / War

History: European

Themes

Society: Community

Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies

Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal