Full Circle: From the Depths of Uncertainty, Purpose Arises

by Vered Neta

Boston, 1989. Confronted by news of the Velvet Revolution, Ana collapses in the street. Returning home, she’s reminded of her past when her daughter, Yael, accuses her of being ignorant about politics.Prague, 1968. Focused on her medical studies and disinterested in the political uprising, Ana’s fate is sealed when handsome, enigmatic libertarian Jan, her childhood friend, returns to her life. Drawn into the fight against oppression, Ana is warned against involvement by Helen, her mother, who, as a Holocaust survivor, knows the dire price of oppression.As Soviet tanks roll into Prague, Ana and Jan find themselves on the frontlines, where, in one act, Ana’s life is destroyed. Now hunted by the government, her only hope of realising her dreams lies in escaping beyond the Iron Curtain.Full Circle unravels the age-old hold fast to principles or embrace the brutal grip of survival?

315 pages, Paperback

Published December 21, 2023

About the author

Best-selling author Vered is on a quest to bring kindness and harmony into the world. She focuses on writing character-driven drama stories focusing on women and the challenges they face in today's society.

Vered started writing at the ripe age of 57 after having, as she calls it, "Three Past Lives" in this lifetime. She's been an archaeologist, a top manager in high-tech companies and health institutions and, for nearly 30 years, a personal coach, trainer, and motivational speaker while owning and running the fastest-growing training centre for entrepreneurs in The Netherlands. Her nonfiction book "Financial Independence for Women" sold over 50,000 copies.

But after doing all that, she realised she was not growing anymore. She still had more things she wanted to learn and develop, which is how she challenged herself with a new career as a writer. Being heavily dyslexic and a non-native English speaker, writing novels or scripts seemed like a Mission Impossible for her. But since then, she has written three screenplays, a stage musical, two novels and two documentary films. These days, she is busy developing a historical mini-series.

Follow Vered on:
Website - https://veredneta.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VeredNeta60
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/veredneta2023/

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading, Full Circle, and it’s ending made me weep tears of joy. What a beautiful story of tragedy and forgiveness.

This is a story about Ana, who as a young woman, lived in Czechoslovakia during the Soviet occupation.
Ana, tells her story to her daughter, Yael, through painful memories, as she struggles to help Yael understand her seemingly strict attitude. It is told in a “then and now” platform.

The book immerses you in Ana’s life as a student in Prague who has joined the opposition. At times I was amazed and angry at the decisions she made and had to remind myself that she was a young college student. Also, what would I have done in her situation? She had to make choices that I could never imagine having to make in my life.

Fueled by her love of learning and freedom she is torn between taking action against the oppressors and the love for her life and those she loves. Is freedom worth the risk of what could happen to them?

Without adding spoilers, I’ll say that Ana has some terrible things happen to her that create a deep anger within her. As she continues with life she is encouraged to face that anger.

I really liked the ending! It was beautiful and highlights how a person can endure hardship and, looking back, find some goodness that was gleaned from it.

Highly recommend!

TW- violence, suicide, murder and a very small sex scene.


Many thanks to BookSirens and Vered Neta for the free copy to read. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jeane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yesterday the new Vered Neta book was published and I just finished it with a happy smile on my face. I was asked by the author to review her new book, warning me it was a completely different genre than another book I read by her, Things we do for love which dealt with Alzheimer and this being a historical story. But based on the writing of the other book and my love for historical stories, I immediately said yes. And I haven't been disappointed for a second.
This time the author takes us to the sixties in Prague and follows the story of young Anna during the political uprising that was taking place. Anna has no interest in politics, but wants to only focus on her studies to become a doctor and be at the top of her class. One day she meets Jan, her best friend from her childhood and he introduces her to a fight against oppression where Anna finds a voice she never knew she had. But her mother Helen fears for her daughter and this new path she is taking. Being a Holocaust survivor herself, she knows what oppression can mean.
The story in the meantime alternates between the late eighties, Anna being a grown up woman with a family. When Anna is confronted with the Velvet revolution taking place in her home country, she almost collapses and realizes she has to tell her story to her young daughter who is accusing her of being ignorant of politics and not knowing her mother. Anna has always tried to look forward and leave her past behind, but she feels it is time now.
Vered Nera managed again to write a wonderful story, full of historical information mixed with a story about passion, friendship, love, history, dreams.... There is no limit to the genres this author seems able to write at a high standard and gives us the joy of reading beautiful stories.
This book also took me to my own past, when I suddenly made the link to a person I was told about when I was a teenager and it being the character Jan in this story. At home the music of Salvatore Adamo was often heard and one of his songs was about Jan Palach, Anna's friend in this story: https://youtu.be/MzgoFyCfMPo?si=gxDBg...

[Lissi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review 📚 Thanks so much for Vered for reaching out!

■ I very much enjoyed reading this novel! It has a very fascinating story and is so well written - it was a real page turner for me. The way Vered introduced the two timelines to the story - which led to the protagonist Ana telling her daughter about her past - was amazing and felt very fitting. I can’t think of a better way to connect the past and the present.

■ You’re going to enjoy Full Circle, if you like…

• The books Brooklyn and Pachinko
• The literary genre historical fiction

■ It’s also the perfect book for you if you’re interested in history, especially anything related to the Iron Curtain, and are looking to read a book with well-crafted characters that tackle this particular time in history.

■ My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Circle by Vered Neta is a powerful historical dual timeline novel that totally consumed me.
The action alternates between 1989 America and Prague during the 1960’s. The two time periods are linked by a family as we witness strained mother-daughter relationships in both time periods. Daughters feel trapped and smothered by their mother’s love, believing their mothers are timid and fearful – nothing could be further from the truth! Both mothers are incredibly brave and resourceful. They both keep silent about their pasts and are therefore misunderstood by their daughters. The mother in the 1960’s is an Auschwitz survivor. “Her way of fighting the Nazis was making sure she would stay alive.” This shows real determination – and a lot of luck. Life was lived on a knife-edge all the time.
Life in Prague in the 1960’s was lived behind the Iron Curtain. The Soviets were in control. There were rules and regulations to be obeyed. “The Gulags are filled with the bodies of people who thought differently.” To be in opposition to Communism could spell a death sentence. People had to learn ways to be able to read banned books and to go against the state.
Religion was dead. Communism reigned. For a mother in the 1960’s “her God died in Auschwitz with the rest of her family.” This belief meant that a daughter’s Jewish heritage was not celebrated. She had to find out about her roots by being resourceful and seeking out a rabbi who would educate her. This contrasts sharply with America where people could worship and celebrate their Jewish heritage.
Behind the Iron Curtain trust was in short supply. “She knew now that eyes and ears were everywhere.” To make an enemy of the state would mean blacklisting for life – or worse.
The late 1960’s saw a student uprising in Prague. As a teen in the 1970’s I had seen footage of a student who set fire to themselves in Wenceslas Square – but to read about it within the book was still shocking. People died. The world looked on.
You never forget your first love – even if your first love was dangerous. A character feels guilt for being unable to prevent the one she loves from destroying themselves but she is determined not to sit back and watch others have the same fate.
Our roots and heritage are important. Hitler tried to wipe out the Jewish people. Communism tried to deny religion but determined souls want to preserve the history, heritage and artefacts of the Jewish nation.
Vered Neta has created a marvellous set of very likable and realistic characters. Their personalities bounced off the pages and into my heart.
The landscape of the novel came alive under the author’s artistic pen. America with all its freedoms was in glorious technicolor. In contrast Prague of the 1960’s was in shades of grey as fear and suspicion lurked around every corner.
I thoroughly enjoyed Full Circle. It was a powerful read that also educated me. I felt like the characters were real people in real situations. We watched a movement go from light to dark and back to light again over the course of the book. Regimes come and go. Ideas come and go. But the heart and soul of the people remain.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[A Look Inside: Reviews and Interviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Full Circle" by Vered Neta stands as a captivating historical political thriller that seamlessly weaves together personal narratives with the tumultuous backdrop of political upheaval. Set against the compelling backdrop of Boston in 1989 and Prague in 1968, Neta skillfully navigates through time and space, unraveling a narrative that is as gripping as it is thought-provoking.

At its core, the story follows Ana, a character whose life becomes entwined with the profound political changes of her time. The Velvet Revolution becomes a catalyst that forces Ana to confront her past, laying bare the complexities of her journey. Neta adeptly explores the intricacies of personal and political transformation, making the characters relatable and the historical context palpable.

The narrative is enriched by the well-crafted characters, each with their own struggles, dilemmas, and ethical quandaries. Ana's trajectory, from a disinterested medical student to an active participant on the frontlines against oppression, adds layers to the story. The presence of Jan, the enigmatic libertarian, introduces a compelling dynamic that propels the plot forward, creating a palpable tension that keeps readers engaged.

The historical setting of Prague in 1968, marked by the Soviet invasion, is vividly depicted, immersing readers in the intensity and uncertainty of the political climate. Neta's storytelling prowess shines as she delves into the human cost of oppression, drawing from the experiences of Holocaust survivor Helen, Ana's mother. The parallels drawn between personal histories and political turmoil resonate, leaving a lasting impact.

"Full Circle" masterfully tackles the age-old conundrum of principles versus survival, forcing the characters to grapple with profound choices. Neta's ability to intertwine personal narratives with larger political events adds depth and nuance to the storytelling. The thematic exploration of political consciousness, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams elevates this novel into a compelling and resonant read. Vered Neta's work is a testament to the enduring power of historical fiction that both informs and inspires.

[Mark taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.


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Full Circle by Vered Neta tells the story of Ana aJewish university medical student in Czechoslovakia during the Prague Spring of 1968, who now lives in Boston USA,


Tells her daughter Yael the events of that time of the Velvet revolution of 1989 that caused the fall of communism in Czechoslovakia,

Full Circle by Vered Neya, is similar to a Simpsopons episode, in the way that it is based around one person telling the story to one or more individuals, But as readers we are reading a normal story with a more modern storyline as r context to how it has an effect today.

This is not in general a way of doing a novel, in fact this technique works well, in Full Circle This is because the novel is connected by 2 events with the earliest being almost 35 years at the time of writing this review. (The country that this is set in does not exist any more)

Full circle was a nice easy read with interpersonal connections, throughout the story all of which seemed to work well and seemed natural in particular the Mother and daughter relationship between Helen and Ana in addition to Ana and Yeal,

Particularly the way that both mothers parenting technique were base on their life experiences for better or worse,

While i loved the way that Full Circle set itself in two prominent dates in the country's post , world war 2 history how ever it would have been nice ywo know how much of this is not to make a better novel but a better conclusion

In addition it would also java a better epilog that would have had a way of what happened to the side characters in the novel,

I know there could have been characters not covered by this, in my opinion this would have improved the ending. Then any character not mentioned would have enhanced the reader's emotional connection to the story.

Having said that Full Circle is well with reading as an historical novel as it is set in a period not covered in historical fiction,

[Marcia Crabtree · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Full Circle” is the second novel written by Vered Neta provided to me by BookSirens to read after its publication. My opinions are completely voluntary. Although I enjoyed the plot and structure of the first book I’d read, “Things We Do For Love,” I found flaws that could have been avoided with better editing. I don’t have similar complaints here and consider the quality of the writing and editing improved.

While the previous book is told in alternating chapters from the varying points of view of different characters, this book is from the perspective of only one character, Ana, but it vacillates between two different time periods and two different countries — Czechoslovakia under Moscow’s communist rule during the middle 1960s and the United States in 1989. The difficulty and suffocating nature of living under the Soviet’s repressive regime is revealed slowly, as is the reason for Ana’s mother’s seemingly exaggerated fear of defying governmental authority.

The book provides wonderful insight into life in Prague under communism, a brief period in the 60’s when several Eastern Bloc countries, including Czechoslovakia, attempted to loosen Moscow’s restrictions only to be invaded by Russian military, and the efforts by people to flee and seek asylum in the West. Much information also is given about the rich history of the Jewish population that existed in Prague before the Nazis invaded during World War II and efforts made to protect as many of the Jewish artifacts, religious items, and books as possible.

“Full Circle” demonstrates wonderful examples of true friendship, first love, political activism, and strong family bonds. It’s engaging and well written, and I recommend it to anyone interested in historical fiction. Thank you once again to BookSirens and Ms. Neta for my free copy.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very excited to start this book, especially as a historical fiction girly. There's something about this genre that draws me in—the blend of real-life events with fictional characters creates a rich tapestry of storytelling.

I liked how the story flipped between Ana's past and her present interactions with her daughter Yael. It added some depth to the whole thing. But I gotta admit, I kinda wished there was more focus on Ana and Yael's relationship. Still, Ana's journey—from a young student rebelling against the system to facing the consequences of her choices—was super gripping.

Ana's evolution throughout the story is remarkable. From initially prioritizing her personal goals to grappling with the harsh realities of the world around her, her character undergoes significant growth. I found myself empathizing with her struggles and admiring her resilience in the face of adversity. Neta's portrayal of Ana's inner conflict—weighing her desire for freedom against the risks involved—was particularly relatable especially in this day and age and made me reflect on the complexities of human nature and the choices we make.

The book's exploration of themes such as love, sacrifice, and resilience resonated deeply with me. Ana's journey is marked by moments of both despair and hope, and it's this emotional depth that makes her story so compelling. And the ending? It was like a gut punch in the best way possible. A real reminder of how strong the human spirit can be. Overall, "Full Circle" is a captivating tale that left me reflecting on the enduring strength of the human spirit long after I turned the final page.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joni · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story!

In 1989, we are introduced to Ana, who currently lives in Boston, but grew up in Prague during Soviet occupation. As the story unfolds, Ana shares what it was like growing up under Soviet occupation. What makes Ana's story even more intriguing is her relationship with her mother, Helen. Helen is a Holocaust survivor, who lived in a concentration camp and lost all of her family in concentration camps. The impact of those experiences is unimaginable. When Ana tries to stand-up for her freedoms and gets involved with political activism, her mother becomes very adamant that she stays out of it in order to remain safe.

Another dynamic of the story is Ana's relationship with Jan, a childhood friend. Ana finds herself falling in love with Jan during their political activism endeavors. However, Jan's extremism causes Ana to question her beliefs and provides more insight into her relationship with her mother.

I have never read a book like this before and found the impact of Helen and Ana's relationship to be fascinating and eventually how it translates to Ana's relationship with her daughter, Yael. Standing up for what is right and what you believe in can be challenging and scary, especially when it goes against a higher power who can influence your overall life.

[Lynne Hannmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Circle is ostensibly about the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1968-1970. As an introduction to life inside an Eastern bloc country during the Cold War, I felt the author did a reasonable job using the Sveboda family as an example of those who had survived WWII and built a successful but guarded existence. The changing political climate and the subsequent crackdown by the Communists is a primary focus, although not delved into too deeply.
What I thought the book is really about was intergenerational trauma. Ana Sveboda’s mother, Helen, is Jewish, a survivor of a Nazi concentration camp. Her father is a gentile and Ana has been raised in a non-religious environment and without knowledge of her family history. With much justification, Helen’s PTSD has produced an extremely overprotective environment which frustrates Ana and has negatively impacted her ability to mature into an adult.
I have mixed feelings about this book. In the first 40%, I felt I was an observer from the sidelines watching people go about their everyday lives without making any connection with the reader. After that the tone changed significantly with dramatic action and revelation of history. Once I was engaged, it became a worthwhile read.
Thank you to the author and to BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review a published copy.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5* rounded up to 3.
The novel was ok but I felt it lacked much depth, as it is often the case with dual times stories. There were some parallels between both times regarding Ana and her own teenager daughter as well as Ana as a teenager with her own mother. It felt somehow rather artificial though. I couldn't relate to Ana as a student either: I found her so immature, particularly regarding her relationship with her mother. Studying to be a doctor, I would have thought she would have more empathy for her mother (who survived Auschwitz!!), knowing exactly what kind of medicine she was taking; also her near total ignorance about what was going on in her own country irritated me. Too much detail was written about romantic relationships. I would have liked more depth in the historical background of that time in Prague. The relationships between the characters were also not that convincing. A bit too much black or white, not much nuance. For me a much too light and easy read. I need more when a story deals with sensitive, historical facts.

[Manikya Kodithuwakku · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a historical fictional narrative of Ana, who is drawn as a childhood friend and later college peer and student activist of Jan Palach, the student who self-immolated in early 1969 in protest against the Soviet invasion of then-Czechoslovakia. While Jan is a secondary character, through whom much of the political environment is narrated, Ana’s story is as compelling. An ambitious medical student uninterested in politics, Ana is drawn into the protests by her loyalty to her childhood friend. And as a bonus, Ana’s love for her city draws in the reader to Prague, as Vered Neta pays homage to its beautiful architecture and history. However, some of the dialogue comes across as stilted, and even somewhat ‘modern’, which jarred the flow of the narrative for me, which is why I’m giving this 4*.

Thanks to BookSirens (https://booksirens.com/become-a-book-...) and Vered Neta (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...) for an ARC of this novel!

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant historical fiction book that is a different genre to the author's first book Things We Do For Love but it is just as well written and researched thoroughly. Ana joins the student union with childhood friend Jan despite her mother warning her that it could be dangerous. I wasn't instantly drawn in to the book until a quarter of the way through and then I found it very hard to put down as I was invested in the outcome for Ana. A story of family, love and fighting for what you believe is right but not always for the best. Through courage and adversity the characters are facing the most challenging times to survive. I absolutely loved the book and it has clearly been extensively researched and I am so anticipating the next book by this author which I believe is another different genre. Vered Neta has a talent that is rarely seen to be able to write different genres so successfully.

[Ruth Coulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had never started this book. Or at least not when I did. I wished I had read something I could put down and progress to other work. I wish I hadn't become so totally immersed. And most of all I wished I had never started because it drew me on and now I have finished and it is a pleasure behind me instead of one to look forward to.

I find I become most involved with books that are set in places I have visited. Like Prague. But I would not have been able to properly imagine the lives of the characters of this story, Ana, her parents, her friends, Jan and others without this book. The Soviet occupation and the uprising against it are significant historical events of the 20th Century and are the most important backdrop to the novel. But of even greater importance is the struggle between doing what is safe and what is good, with all the ramifications of those choices.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning, moving novel from an award-winning author
The story chronicles Ana’s transition from a dedicated medical student to becoming a critical member of a group that is fighting for Czechoslovakia’s freedom in 1968. Ana is influenced by Jan, a friend who returns to her life and encourages her to join the group. The story includes numerous suspenseful twists and adeptly examines themes about freedom and the costs involved in achieving it. It is told through the lives of compelling characters whose lives are forever changed by the political upheaval they encounter.

[Di Paterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an insight into a piece of history I'd never come across before. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, although I found the writing style to be a bit pedantic. Since I know nothing about the history, I've no idea about the research, but the historical aspects all seemed to be very plausible and realistic. The mother/daughter relationship that the book explores adds another interesting dynamic to the plot. My thanks to BookSirens for the opportunity to read it.

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend!

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Vered Neta winner!

I selected this book because I was in Europe during the late 80s and most of the 90s. So, the plot of the book closely parallels my experience, especially when I was in classified intelligence briefings. Neta does a very very good job.

I also was impressed on how Neta followed the life of Ana, especially in her journeys and decisions in the university.

The scenes were exceptionally well presented, and I thought the plot moved very quickly.

I absolutely love this book and I look forward to reading others like it by the author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.