In my quest for literary works akin to “I Must Betray You” by Ruta Sepetys, I find myself desiring a selection not authored by Sepetys herself, given my impending exploration of her other creations. The essence I seek in these narratives is one steeped in melancholy, >!reminiscent of the sombre note struck by the demise of Cici in the denouement!<, evoking profound despair. My inclination leans towards historical fiction, specifically narratives resonating with events analogous to the governmental upheaval in Romania as portrayed in the aforementioned novel.
An additional nuance I am keen to incorporate is a subtle infusion of romance, preferably of the adolescent variety, akin to the tender connection shared by Liliana and Christi, a sentiment that, in my youth, resonates with a sense of joy. It is essential that the chosen historical canvas be one distant from the realms of the British Isles or the United States, ideally rooted in the East, mirroring my lifelong affiliation with Eastern cultures.
In essence, my requisites coalesce around a narrative that elicits melancholy, interwoven with a delicate yet poignant romance, preferably set against the backdrop of historical events. The geographical preference extends to the Eastern territories, encompassing regions such as Romania, Russia, Serbia, Croatia, or even erstwhile entities like the Soviet Union. Furthermore, a compelling protagonist, either distinctly individualistic or akin to the transformative trajectory of Christi, navigating the intricate terrain of overthrowing a dictatorship, is pivotal to the fulfilment of this discerning literary quest. Acknowledging the specificity of this request, I assure you that my future inquiries shall exhibit a more straightforward nature.
by em-tional