This account of the author’s childhood has depictions of intriguing family members and their lifestyles behind the iron curtain. A young girl learns about oppression, politics, and her Jewish religion through family stories and experiences. Author’s Note, Photographs.

Good read, especially as a YA book. At the age of 8 Eva, a young girl living in Romania, finds out that she is Jewish. She has no idea what that means except that it is a secret. We see life in Communist Bucharest thru her eyes. We meet her crazy family - a group of wonderfully vivid characters. Life changes when the family applies to emigrate. An easy intro to Communist life without real horror or tragedy. Good for ages 9/10 and up. ( )

Wonderful memoir. ( )

A child's perspective of growing up in post World War II Romania is lovingly shared in this memoir. Each chapter is a beautiful vignette about Eva, a young girl, discovering her Jewish identity, her family's experiences during the war, and their dramatic journey to Israel. (Grades 6-12) ( )