Book · 2022 · nyt:young-adult-hardcover=2022-02-20
I Must Betray You
Why people recommend it
I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys is a historical fiction novel set in 1989 communist Romania under the oppressive regime of Nicolae Ceausescu, following a young boy coerced into becoming an informant. On an episode of The Book Review titled Ruta Sepetys Talks About I Must Betray You, host Pamela Paul and the author engaged in a deep conversation about the book's setting, historical backdrop, and thematic concerns. Sepetys shared that the real inspiration for the novel struck while she was touring in Romania for her debut book, Between Shades of Gray. Paul observed striking thematic similarities between this new release and the author's earlier works, including Salt to the Sea, The Fountains of Silence, and Between Shades of Gray, noting a consistent dedication to uncovering hidden histories and human resilience. At the conclusion of the interview, Paul reminded listeners of the author's complete bibliography, encouraging readers to explore both her latest historical thriller and her previous acclaimed titles, thereby underscoring Sepetys's vital role in contemporary historical fiction for young adults and adults alike.
Who recommended it
- Pamela Paul Recommended
- Ruta Sepetys Discussed
Pamela Paul — 3 mentions
“let's talk about I must betray you because it's a different country different subject different time period”
“one of the interesting things about this book is that it deals with similar themes that you had in Salt of the sea in the fountain of Silence in Between Shades of Gray”
“and for our listeners rud's books are most recently I must betray you but also her first book Between Shades of Gray as well as Fountains of Silence salt to the Sea”
Ruta Sepetys — 1 mention
“really the inspiration for I must betray you came when I was on tour in Romania for my first novel Between Shades of Gray”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
- Between Shades of Gray
- Death be not proud
- Goodnight Moon 60th Anniversary Edition
- Out of the Easy
- Salt to the Sea
- The Bell
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“and her latest I must betray you can writing actually save your life”