A Place Not Home

by Eva Wiseman

Life in Communist Hungary isn't easy for thirteen-year-old Nelly. Food is scarce and so are clothes. But she has great friends and a special boy she likes, so the hardships are bearable.

When the Hungarian Revolution erupts in 1956, Nelly's world crumbles. Along with the Revolution comes a new tide of anti-Semitism. Nelly's family is Jewish, and her parents are convinced that the family must flee. Everything she cares about - her cozy room, her favourite books, and her closest friends - will have to stay behind. There's not time even to say good-bye.

Nelly's adventures during the family's harrowing escape to freedom are by turns funny and sad. Will she ever find a place to call home?

1998 New York Public Library's Book for the Teen Age Catalog and Exhibit Award

Genres: Historical Fiction, Hungary

178 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Young adult fiction writer Eva Wiseman was born in Hungary and currently lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Eva possesses a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master of Arts degree, and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Manitoba. She has worked as a journalist for the Winnipeg Free Press and the former Winnipeg Tribune, and has taught English Second Language and GED courses to immigrant women.

Reviews

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fascinating story about something of which I previously knew very little - if anything. Loved it.

[Alyse · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another good book when on the unit of immigration. Not my favorite pictures, but I'm sure that this book can be a great asset.

[Margaret]

Good story. I thought the characters acted true to their age.