A parent might reach for this book when their child is trying to understand authoritarianism, censorship, or a family's complex history with political oppression. Set in 1989 communist Romania, the story follows young Ileana, who is sent to her grandparents' remote village after her dissident uncle disappears. There, she discovers the forbidden folktales and family secrets that hold the key to resisting a dangerous regime. The book masterfully blends tense historical reality with the magic of folklore, exploring themes of fear, courage, family love, and the power of truth. For readers aged 10-14, it’s a compelling, hopeful introduction to difficult history, showing how stories can preserve a culture and inspire a revolution.
Depictions of revolution and a dictator's downfall are described but not graphic.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the realities of living under a totalitarian regime: censorship, constant surveillance, political persecution, disappearances of citizens, and poverty. The approach is secular. The resolution is hopeful and aligns with the historical overthrow of the dictator, but it is also realistic, acknowledging the trauma and loss endured by the people. The hope is earned, not magical.
Ideal Reader
A thoughtful 11 to 13-year-old who enjoys fantasy but is ready for more complex, real-world stakes. It's perfect for a child beginning to ask questions about history, government, and justice, or one with a family history connected to immigration from an oppressive country.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to discuss the historical context of Communist Romania and the 1989 revolution. A quick search for Nicolae Ceaușescu will be useful. The book does a good job of explaining, but some concepts like propaganda, secret police, and food rationing may benefit from a brief, parent-led explanation. No specific pages require a preview, but be ready for questions about fear and injustice. A parent notices their child's growing awareness of global conflicts or historical injustices from school or the news. The child might ask, "Why would a government tell people what they can't say or read?" or "Why do people have to fight for freedom?"
Age Experience
A younger reader (10-11) will likely connect most with the magical folklore elements, the adventure, and the strong family relationships. An older reader (12-14) will better appreciate the political allegory, the historical weight of the events, and the nuanced exploration of how storytelling functions as a form of cultural and political resistance.
What Makes It Special
Its unique power lies in the seamless weaving of stark historical fiction with authentic Romanian folklore. Instead of just relating historical events, the book uses magical realism to embody the psychological experience of oppression and the sustaining power of cultural stories. The act of storytelling is not just a theme, it is a central mechanism of the plot.
Read plot summary
In 1989, Ileana lives under the oppressive Communist regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu in Romania. When her outspoken writer uncle disappears, her parents send her away for her safety to her grandparents’ isolated village. In this place steeped in folklore, Ileana uncovers family secrets tied to her nation's magical past. She learns that the old stories, which the regime has tried to stamp out, are a powerful form of resistance. Her journey of discovery mirrors the historical build-up to the Romanian Revolution, showing how one girl's voice, armed with truth and stories, can contribute to a nation’s freedom.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Ileana's father tells her that 'words have power.' How do we see different kinds of words (lies from the government, true stories from her grandmother) used for power in the book?
2
The story is filled with Romanian folktales about figures like the Zmeu and Ileana Cosânzeana. Why do you think the government in the book was so afraid of people telling these old stories?
3
Ileana has to be brave in many different ways. Can you think of a time she was brave by being quiet versus a time she was brave by speaking up? Why are both kinds of bravery important?
4
At the end, the narrator says that a story can be 'a key, a map, a window.' What do you think this means, based on what happened to Ileana and her family?
