Review Detail

Young Adult Fiction 1654
This Rebel Heart
(Updated: April 16, 2022)
Overall rating
 
4.3
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
4.0
Writing Style
 
4.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
What worked: Lyrical, heartbreaking historical where magic and reality merge. Based on a true event, readers are transported to 1950s Budapest and meet Csilla. She lives a complacent life with her aunt, a survivor of Auschwitz, counting down the days until they can flee the country. She longs to break away from the crushing power of the Russian control of her country. She also loves the river that speaks to her.

There are metaphors throughout this engaging story. How the color is leached from not only the country but the people. How a beautiful stranger shows himself to be the angel of death. How the secrets of the dead can be revealed at difficult times but also can give someone the hope that is desperately needed. But mostly, it's the story of a young Jewish girl in Communist Hungary who digs deep down within herself to gain the courage to fight for the country she loves.

The lyrical writing gives this story heart and I couldn't help but hope for the best for Csilla and her friends.

Mesmerizing, beautifully written historical that breaks your heart while beaming hope. Totally recommend.
Good Points
1. Mesmerizing historical where magic and reality merge
2. Queer representation
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