84 pages • 2 hours read
I Must Betray You
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
Romania • 1980s
2022
YA
14-18 years
HL500L
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.
Suspenseful
Mysterious
Dark
Emotional
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
82,064 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
82,064 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
336
Novel • Fiction
Romania • 1980s
2022
YA
14-18 years
HL500L
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