I Must Betray You is a historical fiction novel, encompassing the struggles of a 17-year-old boy, Cristian Florescu, living within the communist regime in Romania, who is blackmailed by the secret police to become an informer on the American family his mother cleans for. Feeling trapped and overwhelmed by his anxiety, Cristian captures his oppressive life through expressive poems within his personal journal. Soon, he chooses to use his role as an informer to his advantage and fight in the revolution to overthrow the communist dictator.

The main developer of the plot of this novel is the nuance of relationships that Sepetys establishes between Cristian and several other characters. For example, Cristian’s relationship with his older sister Cici marks the development of his anxiety and the major theme of betrayal within the novel. Throughout the novel, Cristian suspects the people who surround him to be informers just like him; however, through doing so, he virtually creates an emotional distance, isolating himself and jump-starting an overflow of anxiety. Cristian never suspects Cici as he sees her as the only person he can trust and has always been there for him. Unfortunately, Cristian soon uncovers striking deceptions in Cici’s character that cause him to shun their relationship.

Cristian’s discovery regarding Cici highlights this book’s most impactful message: in a world where you can’t trust anyone, it hurts the most when you are betrayed by those you did trust. Even the strongest relationships can fall apart, but ultimately, it is the truth that sets you free.

Not only does this novel unveil an inspiring moral, but it also sheds light upon a chilling and emotional aspect of European history not often acknowledged. The 1989 period of violent civil unrest in Romania is captured in the development of Cristian’s character as a teen boy who succumbed to a life of confinement to a young adult who fought for a liberating future to pursue his dreams as a passionate writer.

I would recommend this novel to readers who enjoy historical fiction novels and readers who don’t. Its fast-paced storyline and escape into a fantasy that incorporates real historical events create a highly intriguing reading experience that I believe readers of any interest will enjoy. Through heartbreaking revelations and action-packed moments, Sepetys truly captures the inspiring impact that teenagers can make upon their society.

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.