Maria Kiely

Set after WWII, this is a middle grade book that tells the story of Anna and her family. After the Communists took over Czechoslovakia, Anna's father disappears. Fearing for their lives, Anna, her mother and sister decide to flee. This was a well written and engaging book. Anna and her family feel very realistic and are very relatable. Overall, well worth reading.

Based on the author's family stories of escaping Czechoslovakia after WWII, when the communist regime took over. Main character is 12; writing is powerful and beautiful, and the feeling of loss as she leaves her beloved family farm and her cousins is acute. Not a time and place I was familiar with, really enjoyed the book. The writing is beautiful and evocative.