Take Me to the Castle

ISBN: 1479253626

Author: Malby, F C

Condition: New

Product Description WINNER OF THE PEOPLE'S BOOK AWARDS, MARCH 2013.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 met 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? Wonderfully addictive book - cannot put it down! Well written with great characterisation and scene setting.Loved this book. The author shows great insight into human relationships and develops her characters with great ability and humanity.Elaborate interweaving of historical events with personal stories of the skillfully created characters made it an interesting, thought provoking read.I truly did enjoy this story and the glimpse it gave into communism and how the regime affected familiesthe ending was quite a surprise.History and politics are hidden within this love story. It's a great insight into what people were thinking during the turmoil of the political changes in Europe in the 70s and 80s. About the Author F.C. Malby grew up in East Anglia in the UK and spent time teaching English in the Czech Republic. She left the University of Reading with a First Class Honours Degree in Geography and Education, and enjoys travel and photography. Having spent many years teaching, and fewer as a wedding photographer, extensive travel and cultural differences have fuelled her desire for writing. Her first novel began to form in 2007 when she left her teaching position at Dulwich College Prep. School in London to move to Central Europe. F.C. Malby enjoys oil painting, plays the piano, clarinet and guitar. Her favourite food is Thai and Indian, and baking cakes makes her happy, especially to get around writer's block. She finds skiing and water-skiing exhilarating, but hasn't yet sky-dived or bungee jumped. Her favourite places on Earth are Marrakech, Jerusalem, Istanbul, The Valley of the Kings, Mindanao, Milford Sound, Robben Island, The Brooklyn Bridge, Charles Bridge, and Florence.