About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager begins questioning the black and white narratives of history or shows interest in how ordinary people survive impossible political circumstances. It is a sophisticated choice for readers who are ready to move beyond simple hero stories and explore the messy reality of shifting loyalties and deep-seated ethnic tensions. The story follows Maria, a Polish girl, and Kostya, a Ukrainian resistance fighter, as they navigate the closing months of World War II. It explores themes of trust, national identity, and the courage required to protect an enemy when humanity demands it. Parents should know it contains realistic depictions of wartime violence and historical trauma, making it best suited for mature teens who appreciate nuanced, atmospheric storytelling and high-stakes historical drama.
