The Recently Read posts are not typical book reviews. As a writer, I do not believe I should be reviewing the hard work of other writers. These posts are simply books I have recently read and enjoyed and will share with you. They will not always be crime books as I am trying to widen my reading selection. I hope you enjoy some of these with me.
Take Me to the Castle by F. C. Malby
What would you do to secure your own freedom?
Imagine a world where your every move is monitored, every contact scrutinised, a world where your mail arrives mysteriously opened and your movement restricted. What would you do if there was a knock at the door and you knew that you would be faced with the secret police.
Imagine being imprisoned for believing in freedom of speech, risking losing everything: your job, your family, your life.
What would you do to secure your own freedom?
This is the story of Jana, a young Czech girl navigating her way through a harsh communist regime, who encounters loss, betrayal and fear. Watching the fall of the Berlin Wall on her television screen in Prague and marching in the crowds of the Velvet Revolution with her father are some of the experiences which shape her. But how will she deal with the changes once the borders are opened up and a new life awaits?
My Thoughts;
Take Me to The Castle focuses on Jana, her loves and passions and her confusion as the Czech Republic goes through massive political changes and the influence the father she has lost, has had on this and on her. Malby navigates these difficult waters with ease and you are transported into not only an emotional quagmire, but a moral one as people make life decisions that have far reaching effects on the lives of others. It’s not just a one sided story where you see the effects for Jana, as Malby cleverly weaves throughout, a double sided story, considering those who the regime affected with the unthinkable actions they took at a difficult time, and finally lived with. It’s not a fast paced book, but the emotion, knowledge of the time and insight into human nature make this a great read, brilliantly done.
Glynis Smy says
Sounds interesting. I like slower paced books if they keep a good flow. Thanks for sharing.
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – This does sounds like a fascinating portrait of life in that time and that place. Unless you’ve lived that way it’s hard to imagine it so I’m glad this one conveyed what it was like for you.
Linda King says
This sounds interesting! Thanks, Rebecca.
DJ Kirkby says
That cover is gorgeous but I am not sure the book is for me. I like to escape into the books I read – preferably into a more pleasant world.
Gina says
This sounds really interesting! I would like to read this.