Under a Red Sky: Memoir of a Childhood in Communist Romania

Once you start this poignant memoir, you won't be able to put it down. A fascinating coming-of-age story that touches upon a range of themes and subjects--among them immigration, self-reliance, family intimacy and secrets, Jewish life and faith, the nature of childhood friendships, duplicity, discrimination, and life in a post-WWII Communist country--this book is as appealing and compelling for adults as it is for younger readers. But ultimately, it's the beautifully rendered details and the lovable but prickly family members depicted who keep this engaging narrative moving and make it unforgettable.

The book really gives you an idea of a child's experience and viewpoint. It sheds light on a time and place which I knew very little about. The characters are vividly portrayed and the book is beautifully written. There are images that are surprising and evocative. "Under a Red Sky" is a wonderful book for all ages.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves to read about families, culture, historic fiction and more. Once I started, I put everything else aside and read this book from cover to cover. The author is a masterful story-teller ... you feel the deep love within this family in spite of the dire circumstances as the author lovingly shares this brief but highly significant part of her life. This book is a wonderful example of how our childhood experiences and family beliefs form the foundation of our lives.

This is a beautifully rendered memoir of life under Communist rule. The author's eye for detail makes this a powerful first hand account of life after the second world war. But most important, this book is a great read for all ages. I highly recommend Under A Red Sky.

What a lovely book this is. I could not put it down. The narrator - a young Romanian girl - has a sweet, unassuming voice that guides the reader through what life was like behind the Iron Curtain for a Jewish family - and it is enlivened by the distinct personalities of her surrounding family. It is totally charming.