The Voices of Silence

This is a tremendous story, set in Romania just before the fall of the Ceausescus, which vividly creates the physical reality of austerity and the closed manner of people fearful of the ever-watching eyes of the state. Bel Mooney realises all this through Flora and the relations with her family but, above all, with other children at school. In miniature we have the hopes, fears and betrayals of the larger world. It's fine writing, cleverly capturing the precious elements of childhood and casting a line for young readers into the different lives of nations just a few hours' journey from us.