This Rebel Heart

Set in Hungary, shortly after the Second World War, this fantasy novel tells the story of a girl, a river, and her city. Csilla’s father was insistent on the Duna River’s magic, until he and her mother were murdered by the secret police. Now, Csilla is left with persistent, cryptic whispers from the river and her father’s confusing legacy. She must escape. However, when her parents are publicly exonerated, her perfect plan to flee the country starts to unravel, and everything seems a little less certain. Revolution is in the air and all eyes are on Csilla to make the right choice.

Katherine Locke’s writing flows naturally with creative metaphors, links to magic and history, and well-written, believable dialogue. A brief understanding of world history and Jewish customs would be beneficial but not necessary. This book would appeal to a young adult reader as there are themes of romance and violence.
Csilla listened. Will you?