A Jewish couple in Bucharest, Romania, are forced to leave their four-year-old daughter on the doorstep of an apartment building, as they face imminent death from advancing German troops. The girl is adopted by Anton and Despina, a wealthy couple who own a chain of stores. Little Natalia becomes the light of their lives. They fill their days with parties and extravagance, enjoying their bourgeois experience. Natalia fills her days with classical piano and basking in her parent’s adoration.

Anton, filled with the memories of his own destitute background, befriends Victor, a poor, young political student hopeful of an egalitarian future. Life changes direction and the family finds themselves scorned by the leaders of Soviet-invaded Bucharest. Bombings, illness and arrests spread fear as the family slowly lose their their property, their livelihood and, ultimately, their freedom.

Victor comes back into Natalia’s life as she reaches adulthood. She is angry that he abandoned their family as he rose in the political ranks of the new regime. But he holds the key to her escape from this existence and, again, people who love her face the ultimate test of sacrifice. Her future, will come at a tremendous cost.

This novel exudes parental love; Natalia’s parents (both sets) are unrelenting in securing their child’s freedom. This novel is made all the more spectacular and tragic knowing that this story was based on the experience of the author’s mother.

Reviewed by Esther Perry