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The Story That Cannot Be Told
A middle grade debut that weaves together folklore and history to tell the story of a girl finding her voice and the strength to use it during the final months of the Communist regime in Romania in 1989.
Ileana has always collected stories. Some are about the past, before the leader of her country tore down her home to make room for his golden palace; back when families had enough food, and the hot water worked on more than just Saturday nights. Others are folktales like the one she was named for, which her father used to tell her at bedtime. But some stories can get you in trouble, like the dangerous one criticizing Romania’s Communist government that Uncle Andrei published—right before he went missing.
Fearing for her safety, Ileana’s parents send her to live with the grandparents she’s never met, far from the prying eyes and ears of the secret police and their spies, who could be any of the neighbors. But danger is never far away. Now, to save her family and the village she’s come to love, Ileana will have to tell the most important story of her life.
Ileana has always collected stories. Some are about the past, before the leader of her country tore down her home to make room for his golden palace; back when families had enough food, and the hot water worked on more than just Saturday nights. Others are folktales like the one she was named for, which her father used to tell her at bedtime. But some stories can get you in trouble, like the dangerous one criticizing Romania’s Communist government that Uncle Andrei published—right before he went missing.
Fearing for her safety, Ileana’s parents send her to live with the grandparents she’s never met, far from the prying eyes and ears of the secret police and their spies, who could be any of the neighbors. But danger is never far away. Now, to save her family and the village she’s come to love, Ileana will have to tell the most important story of her life.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
May 27, 2020
Ileana loves to collect stories, and she has a very large number to share. The issue is that stories can be dangerous where she lives. Her uncle has experienced this first hand as he’s been missing since the publication of one of his stories. Now, when the family’s safety is put at risk in Bucharest, they send Ileana away to live with her grandparents for a time. Here Ileana discovers that there’s so much she never knew.
The setting is Communist Romania in the late 1980s. It’s such a difficult time with food rationing, unrest and low living standards in general. I have to admit that I didn’t know much about this time period in Romania, nor did my kids. The book is both educational and entertaining— woven with folklore in between what’s happening in real time. We never lost interest and my kids were literally buried in their books. It’s beautifully crafted with wonderful characters and storytelling.
Personally, I enjoyed the story very much and decided on a 4-star rating, whereas the kids were a solid 5-stars —no questions asked. Some of the content was a little more complex, but it didn’t faze them. We looked forward to reading it daily. We read physical hardcovers and also enjoyed the audio along with the book.
The Story That Cannot Be Told is tense at times and also full of emotion, but funny too. It has also inspired me and my children to read more historical fiction. I recommend it for middle-graders, adults with an interest, and anyone who loves a good story.
4.5 stars
You can see this review and others @www.readrantrockandroll.com
The setting is Communist Romania in the late 1980s. It’s such a difficult time with food rationing, unrest and low living standards in general. I have to admit that I didn’t know much about this time period in Romania, nor did my kids. The book is both educational and entertaining— woven with folklore in between what’s happening in real time. We never lost interest and my kids were literally buried in their books. It’s beautifully crafted with wonderful characters and storytelling.
Personally, I enjoyed the story very much and decided on a 4-star rating, whereas the kids were a solid 5-stars —no questions asked. Some of the content was a little more complex, but it didn’t faze them. We looked forward to reading it daily. We read physical hardcovers and also enjoyed the audio along with the book.
The Story That Cannot Be Told is tense at times and also full of emotion, but funny too. It has also inspired me and my children to read more historical fiction. I recommend it for middle-graders, adults with an interest, and anyone who loves a good story.
4.5 stars
You can see this review and others @www.readrantrockandroll.com
October 13, 2020
This book had such a great start, I thought this might be a 4 or 5 star read. There were parts that were good. Some parts flashed back in time. The historical elements of the war in Romania in the 90s were interesting, we liked the idea of the stories, the folklore. We revisited scenes from WWII, this was confusing, especially for young people. Most of this story was set in the nineties, I wondered if a school from this era would really set a holiday project that involved catching as many beetles and butterflies that you could and killing them, extra points for killing something really rare.
Suddenly the story goes back in time two years to when Irena was 8 years old. Her father takes her to a student house to watch films, it felt unhealthy she had to keep this secret from her mother, should a father really be asking his daughter to do something illegal and dangerous and lie to her mother about it? And they watched films like Alien and The Shining, I wouldn't want any 8 year old to watch those films.
The story had chapters of Ilena's book interspersed which started off okay but we ended up skimming past these, very predictable and boring.
Towards the end this book really went downhill, Ilena and another 9 or 10 year old form a resistance group that prepare to take on the soldiers, they make weapons and train and despite being depicted as girls who are nervous and frequently feel sick and anxious they this seemed ridiculous, and of course when she thought Old Costanta
By the end we couldn't wait to finish. We were surprised because the first page of reviews is nearly all 5 stars.
Suddenly the story goes back in time two years to when Irena was 8 years old. Her father takes her to a student house to watch films, it felt unhealthy she had to keep this secret from her mother, should a father really be asking his daughter to do something illegal and dangerous and lie to her mother about it? And they watched films like Alien and The Shining, I wouldn't want any 8 year old to watch those films.
The story had chapters of Ilena's book interspersed which started off okay but we ended up skimming past these, very predictable and boring.
Towards the end this book really went downhill, Ilena and another 9 or 10 year old form a resistance group that prepare to take on the soldiers, they make weapons and train and despite being depicted as girls who are nervous and frequently feel sick and anxious they this seemed ridiculous, and of course when she thought Old Costanta
By the end we couldn't wait to finish. We were surprised because the first page of reviews is nearly all 5 stars.
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April 20, 2020One of my favorite middle grade books I've read for a long time!
July 1, 2019
This book is about as perfect as it gets. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on an ARC, and it was un-putdownable. Think Wolf Hollow, Beyond the Bright Sea, and The War That Saved My Life and add folklore, political unrest, and Communist Romania of the 80's. Ileana is a heroine to root for, and the book's remarkable discussion about truth and the power of books and story is one we need now more than ever. I can't wait to have this one prominently displayed on my shelf.
June 29, 2019
Reminiscent of THE BOOK THIEF, this incredible debut novel is harrowing and hopeful - sometimes even humorous. Ileana, its young heroine, is someone you will fall in love with, and her story is one that MUST be told.
March 13, 2019
I was fortunate enough to gain access to this story via Edelweiss and the publisher, but I first had this book on my radar via Twitter. I thought, how oh how can I beg for an arc of this book? Luckily, Edelweiss got it soon after, and I gobbled it up. To say that this book was amazing, wonderful, gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, etc. is an understatement. THE STORY THAT CANNOT BE TOLD took me through a time in history that I was not well educated on and wove together fairy-tales and a heroine up against some very real antagonists.
This story follows Ileana, who is a story-teller at heart. She lives in Bucharest with her mother and father. After a vital mistake, Ileana finds herself being sent away to live with grandparents whom she's never met and hopefully far away from spies who may be watching her family. With an uncle who may be publishing illegal works, her parents think it best to protect their daughter, but Ileana does not immediately take to life at her grandparent's small village. Surrounded by the unfamiliar, she relies on her stories to guide through the very real threat of communist Romania. With heart and strength, she grows to love, forgive, and fight with all she has.
This book is masterfully written and takes you through reimaginings of Romanian folklore that mirrors the real-life world around Ileana as she struggles to find her place in her new life and forgive those closest to her. Her voice was so strong and at times, so very grown up for how young she was. But this book is about big decisions and learning to accept those decisions. This is a big book with a big heart. It's a story about a girl growing up in the shadow of war and illustrates the raw beauty of childhood.
The character development was well done, and I particularly enjoyed the chapters of folktales. The story itself is one I have never come across before, and maybe others will agree with me as more reviews pour in, that this book should not be missed.
Books like this are so rare and I am so honored to be one of the first to review it. My pre-order is in. This is one for bookshelf.
This story follows Ileana, who is a story-teller at heart. She lives in Bucharest with her mother and father. After a vital mistake, Ileana finds herself being sent away to live with grandparents whom she's never met and hopefully far away from spies who may be watching her family. With an uncle who may be publishing illegal works, her parents think it best to protect their daughter, but Ileana does not immediately take to life at her grandparent's small village. Surrounded by the unfamiliar, she relies on her stories to guide through the very real threat of communist Romania. With heart and strength, she grows to love, forgive, and fight with all she has.
This book is masterfully written and takes you through reimaginings of Romanian folklore that mirrors the real-life world around Ileana as she struggles to find her place in her new life and forgive those closest to her. Her voice was so strong and at times, so very grown up for how young she was. But this book is about big decisions and learning to accept those decisions. This is a big book with a big heart. It's a story about a girl growing up in the shadow of war and illustrates the raw beauty of childhood.
The character development was well done, and I particularly enjoyed the chapters of folktales. The story itself is one I have never come across before, and maybe others will agree with me as more reviews pour in, that this book should not be missed.
Books like this are so rare and I am so honored to be one of the first to review it. My pre-order is in. This is one for bookshelf.
February 22, 2020
I was born and raised in Romania, during communism, so I was very excited to read this book. However, I was quickly disappointed. The historical facts are fairly accurate, which is pretty much the only positive thing about this book. The author took the beautiful Romanian culture and folk tales and made an absolute mess of them! I assume that since she's never been there and didn't know how to cover missing pieces in her story, she simply added parts of the American culture. It did not blend very well. Also, many of the Romanian words in the book were misused in context, their actual meaning completely lost. The stories in the book were so bizarre, definitely not reflecting the beautiful Romanian culture. Please don't write a book about something you don't know enough and did not take the time to research carefully. Just because a few friends shared some stories, doesn't make you an expert.
October 9, 2019
An inside look at living under Ceausescu. Ileana has to leave Bucharest and live in the mountains with her grandparents to be safe from arrest -- for telling stories. This book has intense moments. This was a time of great oppression and it was just thirty years ago that Ceausescu was overthrown! My husband's parents sponsored a Romanian immigrant in the early 1980's. His harrowing escape is a part of our family story. Stories like this remind us all of the freedoms we must not take for granted. This book reminded me of "The War That Saved My Life" and "Between Shades of Gray" as it does not sugarcoat the effects on children when they live in a war zone of an occupied country. Not a 5-star book due to being a bit slow-paced and I would have liked to have some more clues as to historical context in the narrative. When Tataie tells a story about being in Odessa, for example, there are no dates or labels as to what historical event was occurring. Still would highly recommend this book for classrooms or homeschool kids studying Eastern Europe in the late 20th century.
Thank you to Atheneum Books and Edelweiss for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Atheneum Books and Edelweiss for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2019
This is J. Kasper Kramer's middle grade debut and WOW did it knock my socks off. I HIGHLY recommend! It's longer than the typical middle grade read and there are such complexities that the young adult and adult crowd may enjoy it even more. So I'd aim more for upper middle grade and older. The writing often reminded me of The Bear and the Nightingale, if you're familiar with Arden's beautiful word-weaving and folklore.
Ileana loves to share stories and change them when they aren't exciting enough. In fact, she is named for a character in a folktale who was clever and wise. But she soon learns that stories can be used to spread the "wrong" message and her family eventually discovers the government is bugging and investigating their home. Now Ileana must escape her city and travel to a small village to live with her estranged grandparents until the coast is clear. But as more experiences, tales, and histories are shared, fantastical elements become intertwined with reality.
As I said previously, this one is definitely not just for middle grade readers (even though the main character is that age). All ages can treasure this story! Since it's historical fiction, and so well-researched, it would pair beautifully with a study of Communist Romania in the 1980s.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
Ileana loves to share stories and change them when they aren't exciting enough. In fact, she is named for a character in a folktale who was clever and wise. But she soon learns that stories can be used to spread the "wrong" message and her family eventually discovers the government is bugging and investigating their home. Now Ileana must escape her city and travel to a small village to live with her estranged grandparents until the coast is clear. But as more experiences, tales, and histories are shared, fantastical elements become intertwined with reality.
As I said previously, this one is definitely not just for middle grade readers (even though the main character is that age). All ages can treasure this story! Since it's historical fiction, and so well-researched, it would pair beautifully with a study of Communist Romania in the 1980s.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
May 5, 2021
I'm giving this five stars with a caveat. :)
This book tells the story of Illeana who lives in communist Romania. She is a story-teller by nature but some stories and lives are not government approved. This story deals with the topic of banning/censure and government retribution when the people resist. For that reason, I believe that this book should be ready by everyone. Think over what it means to live under communist rule by means of a fictional story.
The caveat is in parts of the writing. I think Kramer has a story-telling gift. She writes well and the story works. However, interspersed through the book which focuses on Illeana's experience, she tries to interweave a fairy tale. Every so often you hit a chapter that is supposed to make you think imaginatively, I suppose, but what ultimately happens is that the reader is jarred out of the primary story by a spot of whimsy. I understand what she's trying to do and it might not have gone over so poorly with me but I found her writing style changed within the fairy tale and it made for painful reading. I read the first two installments of the fairy tale and then opted to ignore those chapters for the remainder of the book. There are about 5-6 chapters which focus on the fairy tale and I would heartily recommend to anyone to skip those chapters completely. I did not find that they added to the story but rather took away from it. This is the first time I can remember thinking that the editor did Kramer no favors by encouraging this part of the book. It should have been cut down and kept strictly focused on Illeana which was fascinating and interesting enough and can completely stand alone.
A very good book; I'd recommend it.
This book tells the story of Illeana who lives in communist Romania. She is a story-teller by nature but some stories and lives are not government approved. This story deals with the topic of banning/censure and government retribution when the people resist. For that reason, I believe that this book should be ready by everyone. Think over what it means to live under communist rule by means of a fictional story.
The caveat is in parts of the writing. I think Kramer has a story-telling gift. She writes well and the story works. However, interspersed through the book which focuses on Illeana's experience, she tries to interweave a fairy tale. Every so often you hit a chapter that is supposed to make you think imaginatively, I suppose, but what ultimately happens is that the reader is jarred out of the primary story by a spot of whimsy. I understand what she's trying to do and it might not have gone over so poorly with me but I found her writing style changed within the fairy tale and it made for painful reading. I read the first two installments of the fairy tale and then opted to ignore those chapters for the remainder of the book. There are about 5-6 chapters which focus on the fairy tale and I would heartily recommend to anyone to skip those chapters completely. I did not find that they added to the story but rather took away from it. This is the first time I can remember thinking that the editor did Kramer no favors by encouraging this part of the book. It should have been cut down and kept strictly focused on Illeana which was fascinating and interesting enough and can completely stand alone.
A very good book; I'd recommend it.
December 24, 2020
“Once upon a time, something happened. If it hadn’t happened, it wouldn’t be told.”
let me just start off by saying that the reason i love this book is because it reminds us of the power of stories. it reminds us that we need to keep telling our stories, shouting them off of rooftops and mountains and making sure they stay alive, because stories have a certain gravity to them. stories carry that ability to change lives, to change the way you see things, and to change the world, so long as they are kept alive. stories have that remarkable ability of empowering us, enlightening our hearts, and allow us to see things from a new perspective. stories must be told if we hope to change the world for the better.
in regard to this book, it was truly incredible. i always love a good story of children becoming those resilient warriors that spark change within others. i firmly believe that children hold an immense capability of sparking change and as an educator, i plan to plant this seed within each of my students. something as small as a story can spark change. and every person holds this power. so use your power wisely and widely.
let me just start off by saying that the reason i love this book is because it reminds us of the power of stories. it reminds us that we need to keep telling our stories, shouting them off of rooftops and mountains and making sure they stay alive, because stories have a certain gravity to them. stories carry that ability to change lives, to change the way you see things, and to change the world, so long as they are kept alive. stories have that remarkable ability of empowering us, enlightening our hearts, and allow us to see things from a new perspective. stories must be told if we hope to change the world for the better.
in regard to this book, it was truly incredible. i always love a good story of children becoming those resilient warriors that spark change within others. i firmly believe that children hold an immense capability of sparking change and as an educator, i plan to plant this seed within each of my students. something as small as a story can spark change. and every person holds this power. so use your power wisely and widely.
June 16, 2019
How do I describe THE STORY THAT CANNOT BE TOLD? Yes, it's about Ileana and her family, who live in 1980s Communist Romania. When Ileana's parents send her away to live with her estranged grandparents in a rural village--all is not as it seems. What Ileana thinks she knows, she doesn't. As J. Kasper Kramer's expertly-crafted book unfolds, the tales that Ileana tells us may or may not be true. What seems fantastical is, in many ways, quite real. And reality is colored by experience and perspective.
THE STORY THAT CANNOT BE TOLD--beautifully written; heartbreaking, yet fundamentally hopeful; so well-researched--is one of those unforgettable "stories about stories." The book illuminates the significance of storytelling (on both the personal and societal levels) through Ileana's eyes. But it will undoubtedly speak to all the lucky kids (and grown-ups) that that encounter it. It might be THE STORY THAT CANNOT BE TOLD. But it's absolutely the book that must be read.
THE STORY THAT CANNOT BE TOLD--beautifully written; heartbreaking, yet fundamentally hopeful; so well-researched--is one of those unforgettable "stories about stories." The book illuminates the significance of storytelling (on both the personal and societal levels) through Ileana's eyes. But it will undoubtedly speak to all the lucky kids (and grown-ups) that that encounter it. It might be THE STORY THAT CANNOT BE TOLD. But it's absolutely the book that must be read.
January 27, 2025
Beginning - 5 stars
Ending - 3.5 stars
Horrible fairy tale told in chunks throughout - 1 star
Loved the opening: little girl on the run from the state in Communist Romania. I mean, COME ON. So much to adore here.
The story got a bit lost after that and never quite lived up to the death grip mood of the first few chapters. But Kramer is a beautiful writer and I’m looking forward to her other books!
Ending - 3.5 stars
Horrible fairy tale told in chunks throughout - 1 star
Loved the opening: little girl on the run from the state in Communist Romania. I mean, COME ON. So much to adore here.
The story got a bit lost after that and never quite lived up to the death grip mood of the first few chapters. But Kramer is a beautiful writer and I’m looking forward to her other books!
October 23, 2019
A historical MG about the fall of the Ceaușescu regime in Romania? Yes, please. This is a setting I've not seen before, and I loved the way it not only felt immersive and authentic, but the way it built on the folklore and fairy tales of the region, adding a hint of magic to the main story. Must read for historical fans!
April 16, 2019
Oh my goodness, this book. I lucked out and got my hands on an arc, but I will be buying this for my children AND my parents when it releases. Truly, this is a story all ages will treasure.
February 13, 2020
This book is excellent. The blending of history and folklore from a child's perspective is wonderful. This is a great book for any age reader.
December 12, 2020
This book is precisely the reason why I should read both more middle-grade books and historical fiction.
The Story That Cannot Be Told is a beautiful, heartbreaking look at the Romanian revolution. It's a story about oppression, about growing up, about bravery and sacrifice and forgiveness.
But most of all, it's a story about story itself. The main character, Ileana, is a storyteller, and the way fantastical tales are weaved into the book blew me away. The climax in particular was stunning in this regard.
For a middle-grade novel, it was darker than I expected it to be. Violence - and brutal violence at that - shows up quite frequently in the latter half of the book, although it's never described in too much detail. But harder to read about still are the emotional consequences of the book's events, especially at the end of the story. Still, hope shines through the book, and that's what I've taken away from it.
"Sometimes, though, things can't go back to normal, no matter how much you wish that they could."
The Story That Cannot Be Told is a beautiful, heartbreaking look at the Romanian revolution. It's a story about oppression, about growing up, about bravery and sacrifice and forgiveness.
But most of all, it's a story about story itself. The main character, Ileana, is a storyteller, and the way fantastical tales are weaved into the book blew me away. The climax in particular was stunning in this regard.
For a middle-grade novel, it was darker than I expected it to be. Violence - and brutal violence at that - shows up quite frequently in the latter half of the book, although it's never described in too much detail. But harder to read about still are the emotional consequences of the book's events, especially at the end of the story. Still, hope shines through the book, and that's what I've taken away from it.
"Sometimes, though, things can't go back to normal, no matter how much you wish that they could."
March 8, 2020
The Story That Cannot Be Told is set in communist Romania. The people of Romania are herded together in cities and are constantly on watch as they do not know who of their neighbors might be a government informer.
Ileana is a storyteller and her stories do not fit the narrative sanctioned by the government. When her stories threaten her family’s safety, her parents send her to live in the mountains with the grandparents she’s never met.
This is such a charming story. Ileana’s story telling is present in the novel through little folklore vignettes that intermingle with real life to give the reader a picture of how Ileana sees herself.
While this is middle grade, it definitely does not shy away from the hard realities of communist Romania. Kramer faces head on the fear, violence, and uncertainty that was rampant in Romania under communist rule. So be prepared for things to get dark.
I was enchanted throughout the entirety of this novel. I loved Ileana and I loved her life in the mountain village. Such a richly developed cast of characters and setting. I was constantly in awe of Kramer’s skill with the narrative, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what she writes next.
For full disclosure, I do personally know the author of The Story That Cannot Be Told, but the above is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Ileana is a storyteller and her stories do not fit the narrative sanctioned by the government. When her stories threaten her family’s safety, her parents send her to live in the mountains with the grandparents she’s never met.
This is such a charming story. Ileana’s story telling is present in the novel through little folklore vignettes that intermingle with real life to give the reader a picture of how Ileana sees herself.
While this is middle grade, it definitely does not shy away from the hard realities of communist Romania. Kramer faces head on the fear, violence, and uncertainty that was rampant in Romania under communist rule. So be prepared for things to get dark.
I was enchanted throughout the entirety of this novel. I loved Ileana and I loved her life in the mountain village. Such a richly developed cast of characters and setting. I was constantly in awe of Kramer’s skill with the narrative, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what she writes next.
For full disclosure, I do personally know the author of The Story That Cannot Be Told, but the above is my honest and unbiased opinion.
July 28, 2021
Pre-read for my 7th grader...but I would have read it myself anyway. Such a wonderful middle grade novel! Weaving folklore, poetry and narrative storytelling in order to explain a time of extreme political unrest to our children...well done. The prologue and author's note alone were so well written. It is a longer read and requires a slightly higher level of comprehension and attention, in my opinion, in order to keep up with the various time periods and shifting literary genres. The author does a good job of briefly explaining how communism sneaks in and establishes itself before society realizes what they have willingly allowed to happen. And yet...there are always the storytellers. The brave, unassuming citizens. The leaders who are willing to work in secret to fight for their cause. The patriotic risk-takers. The parents and grandparents who are quietly and diligently raising up the next generation in truth. As I look around me in 2021, these are the kinds of stories I hope my kids are drawn to.
From the author's note:
"Romania's government eventually became totalitarian, meaning it controlled most aspects of people's lives. Propaganda was everywhere, so it was difficult to find information that wasn't misleading, and all sources of media - like television, books, music and movies - were strictly censored. The Securitate, the secret police, recruited half a million regular people to spy for them. These informers reported on their families, friends, classmates, and neighbors, making it very dangerous to speak your mind, no matter who was around. Anyone suspected of opposing Ceausescu and his government faced serious repercussions: arrest, loss of employment, torture, or even death. People who had the power to convince others to turn against the regime - people such as writers, teachers, directors, and scientists - were frequent targets of the Securitate. However, even during the hardest of times, Romanians persevered. Uncles whispered jokes about Ceausescu under their breath. Grandparents upheld their religious traditions in secret. At night, by the flicker of candles, parents and children recited poetry and sang songs and told stories that had long ago been banned."
I mean....whoa.
From the author's note:
"Romania's government eventually became totalitarian, meaning it controlled most aspects of people's lives. Propaganda was everywhere, so it was difficult to find information that wasn't misleading, and all sources of media - like television, books, music and movies - were strictly censored. The Securitate, the secret police, recruited half a million regular people to spy for them. These informers reported on their families, friends, classmates, and neighbors, making it very dangerous to speak your mind, no matter who was around. Anyone suspected of opposing Ceausescu and his government faced serious repercussions: arrest, loss of employment, torture, or even death. People who had the power to convince others to turn against the regime - people such as writers, teachers, directors, and scientists - were frequent targets of the Securitate. However, even during the hardest of times, Romanians persevered. Uncles whispered jokes about Ceausescu under their breath. Grandparents upheld their religious traditions in secret. At night, by the flicker of candles, parents and children recited poetry and sang songs and told stories that had long ago been banned."
I mean....whoa.
January 28, 2022
Супер! Хотя по началу, я думала, что будет как то банально… не зря решила, что надо чуть-чуть дальше ещё прочитать!
March 14, 2020
One of the best books I’ve ever read before. Perfect in every way.
November 12, 2020
One of my favorite books of 2020. Clever folklore retellings woven with historical fiction result in a delightful story that resonates long after the last page.
Set in Romania in 1989, the year of the Romanian Revolution, Ileana describes life under oppressive Communist rule with humor and only the slightest aggravation. But when Uncle Andrei disappears and Ileana's apartment is bugged, even the collection of her drawings and writings--The Great Tome--could threaten her family. For her safety, Ileana's parents send her far away to a tiny mountain village to stay with grandparents she has never met.
When the Secretariat arrives asking questions, she learns that some stories hold power. The legend of the White Wolf is one, as are the travels of Old Constanta and the tales of Cunning Ileana, who outsmarts everyone who means to do her harm. Even dear Tataie's heartwrenching experiences during WWII and Papa's viewings of illicit VHS recordings of Star Wars become seeds for rebellion.
Powerful and uplifting, The Story That Cannot Be Told ought to be told again and again. This beautiful story demonstrates how even under terrible circumstances, people find avenues to joy in the present and hope for a better future.
Set in Romania in 1989, the year of the Romanian Revolution, Ileana describes life under oppressive Communist rule with humor and only the slightest aggravation. But when Uncle Andrei disappears and Ileana's apartment is bugged, even the collection of her drawings and writings--The Great Tome--could threaten her family. For her safety, Ileana's parents send her far away to a tiny mountain village to stay with grandparents she has never met.
When the Secretariat arrives asking questions, she learns that some stories hold power. The legend of the White Wolf is one, as are the travels of Old Constanta and the tales of Cunning Ileana, who outsmarts everyone who means to do her harm. Even dear Tataie's heartwrenching experiences during WWII and Papa's viewings of illicit VHS recordings of Star Wars become seeds for rebellion.
Powerful and uplifting, The Story That Cannot Be Told ought to be told again and again. This beautiful story demonstrates how even under terrible circumstances, people find avenues to joy in the present and hope for a better future.
August 14, 2019
"Sometimes the words that you say aren't what's important. Sometimes what's important are the words that you hide."
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Thank you to @simonkids for the free book to share with #kidlitexchange. This 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 book is out 10/8/19. Debut by @jkasperkramer .
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I was captivated by this historical novel about 1989 Romania. Ileana lives in a world heavily controlled by the Communist government; food is heavily rationed, media is censored and anyone who criticizes the government faces imprisonment, torture and even death. Ileana's parents are worried about their daughter's safety in Bucharest, so they send her to the countryside to live with grandparents she has never met. But then danger follows Ileana to her Mamaie and Tataie's village and Ileana and the other villagers must be brave and cunning if they want to survive. Ileana is a storyteller, but over time she discovers that some stories are dangerous. Can she tell the right story when it counts the most?
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Woven with altered fairy tales with a strong feminist bent and tensely plotted, I read this nearly 400 page book in two short days. I'll certainly be recommending this one to my readers! I found this debut lyrical, moving and inspirational! Go, Ileana! This is a MUST-BUY!!! Grades 4+. Book 60 for #30booksummer .
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#mglit #mgbooks #historicalfiction #thestorythatcannotbetold #jkasperkramer #booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #librariesofinstagram #librariansofinstagram #middleschoollibrarian #amreading #ilovemg
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Thank you to @simonkids for the free book to share with #kidlitexchange. This 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 book is out 10/8/19. Debut by @jkasperkramer .
〰️
〰️
I was captivated by this historical novel about 1989 Romania. Ileana lives in a world heavily controlled by the Communist government; food is heavily rationed, media is censored and anyone who criticizes the government faces imprisonment, torture and even death. Ileana's parents are worried about their daughter's safety in Bucharest, so they send her to the countryside to live with grandparents she has never met. But then danger follows Ileana to her Mamaie and Tataie's village and Ileana and the other villagers must be brave and cunning if they want to survive. Ileana is a storyteller, but over time she discovers that some stories are dangerous. Can she tell the right story when it counts the most?
.
〰️
〰️
Woven with altered fairy tales with a strong feminist bent and tensely plotted, I read this nearly 400 page book in two short days. I'll certainly be recommending this one to my readers! I found this debut lyrical, moving and inspirational! Go, Ileana! This is a MUST-BUY!!! Grades 4+. Book 60 for #30booksummer .
〰️
〰️
#mglit #mgbooks #historicalfiction #thestorythatcannotbetold #jkasperkramer #booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #librariesofinstagram #librariansofinstagram #middleschoollibrarian #amreading #ilovemg
April 14, 2019
Breathtaking and beautifully written, THE STORY THAT CANNOT BE TOLD tells the story of Ileana, who lives in Communist Romania in 1989. When political strife hits way too close to home, Ileana is relocated to her grandparents’ remote mountain village—which is not as safe as her parents hoped.
This is a story for those who love adventure, history, political intrigue, folklore, friendships, family, and, above all, those who love story. I was on the edge of my seat and/or wiping away tears and/or laughing out loud (the fairy tales!! So funny!) throughout my reading. This book is a marvel and I was enchanted, it is a book I know I will read again just for the experience (and to enjoy the beautiful writing). Highly recommended for readers of THE BOOK THIEF and REFUGEE.
This is a story for those who love adventure, history, political intrigue, folklore, friendships, family, and, above all, those who love story. I was on the edge of my seat and/or wiping away tears and/or laughing out loud (the fairy tales!! So funny!) throughout my reading. This book is a marvel and I was enchanted, it is a book I know I will read again just for the experience (and to enjoy the beautiful writing). Highly recommended for readers of THE BOOK THIEF and REFUGEE.
October 30, 2019
A beautifully told, richly woven story about a girl and her family living in communist Romania. The combination of the bleak oppression of the government and the immersive folktales is mesmerizing. Kids and adults alike will root for brave Ileana learning to find her voice and her power in dark times.
August 9, 2019
a young adult masterpiece, that has bearing in this world as well as the past. pulls no punches as it places you in danger. you’ll appreciate not being talked down to but being included in this story that can’t be told. don’t try to rush it. i thought for sure a two day read. some scenes are like earthquakes. it’ll knock you off your feet. take your time. it won’t disappoint.
May 30, 2020
There are many books that combine a folktale with a realistic storyline, but I don't remember ever reading one that does it as well, or as beautifully, as "The Story That Cannot Be Told." The first (and main) story is of Ileana, a young girl in Communist Romania, in the late 1980s. Her uncle, a poet, is imprisoned or dead because of his anti-government writings, and her whole family is under suspicion and in grave danger.
Ileana is sent to the countryside to live with her grandparents but safety proves elusive. She is a master story-teller. Her stories bring joy but also place her and her family and friends in jeopardy. "If you wrote the wrong words--if you tell the wrong kind of story--sometimes you just disappear," she explains in the first chapter.
She tells the second story of the book, which is a folktale about the brave princess Ileana, her namesake, who is the very smart daughter of a powerful emperor who is in the cross-hairs of a powerful monarch. That interwoven story is magical -- complete with dragons, magic apples, and knights -- and it proves to be almost as suspenseful and interesting as the "real" Ileana's story. The way the two stories coalesce at the story's climax is breath-taking!
Mostly, this is the story of living under an oppressive, soul-crushing regime. The dread, fear and suspicion are palpable. The scene where the family realizes their home is bugged is absolutely chilling. Yet, this is also a hopeful and positive book about the power of words and stories to change the world. It ends with the uprising in Romania that overthrew Ceauşescu.
Every character from Iliana (both the princess and the girl) and her grandparents to her flawed parents and the old woman in the village who might be a witch are well-drawn. It is a book that would be great for class discussion in 7th grade Humanities and up. The history of Romania is masterfully woven into the narrative and inspired me to learn more about a country that I knew almost nothing about. Highly recommend!
Ileana is sent to the countryside to live with her grandparents but safety proves elusive. She is a master story-teller. Her stories bring joy but also place her and her family and friends in jeopardy. "If you wrote the wrong words--if you tell the wrong kind of story--sometimes you just disappear," she explains in the first chapter.
She tells the second story of the book, which is a folktale about the brave princess Ileana, her namesake, who is the very smart daughter of a powerful emperor who is in the cross-hairs of a powerful monarch. That interwoven story is magical -- complete with dragons, magic apples, and knights -- and it proves to be almost as suspenseful and interesting as the "real" Ileana's story. The way the two stories coalesce at the story's climax is breath-taking!
Mostly, this is the story of living under an oppressive, soul-crushing regime. The dread, fear and suspicion are palpable. The scene where the family realizes their home is bugged is absolutely chilling. Yet, this is also a hopeful and positive book about the power of words and stories to change the world. It ends with the uprising in Romania that overthrew Ceauşescu.
Every character from Iliana (both the princess and the girl) and her grandparents to her flawed parents and the old woman in the village who might be a witch are well-drawn. It is a book that would be great for class discussion in 7th grade Humanities and up. The history of Romania is masterfully woven into the narrative and inspired me to learn more about a country that I knew almost nothing about. Highly recommend!
September 12, 2020
I waffled a lot on how to rate this book.
The storytelling is beautiful, with the graceful weaving in of folklore and other stories. The folktales themselves are cleverly twisted, filtered through the inventive mind of a child of the communist 80s. Ileana's reality is scary. and reminds or teaches readers of a dark period in not-so-distant history that we should be careful not to forget. The writing is very good. The danger is high in a chillingly quiet way. The characters are interesting. The village setting is atmospheric and reminds me so much of my own experiences living and traveling in rural parts of another European country once controlled by communism.
For most of the book, I kept debating whether I should give it four or five stars (and this from a person who doesn’t give a lot of 5-star ratings to novels). Was my five-star leaning just because I'm so interested in the culture and history and because it reminds me of my beloved home away from home? Should I give it four stars because of my sneaking suspicion that it might play better to adults than to the target audience?
Then I got to about the three-quarters mark. SEMI SPOILER ALERT. I may have missed something, but I began to find it a bit confusing. I didn't quite understand exactly what her parents had done and how Ileana knew certain things she did. I also found several things unrealistic, especially relating to the monastery, her uncle, the manifesto, and some soldiers. END SEMI SPOILERS
Because I was on the fence already, the above-mentioned confusion kept it down at four stars, but I really, really enjoyed it.
More accurate rating: 4.5 stars.
Personal enjoyment as an adult: Nearly 5 stars.
I will certainly read more by J. Kasper Kramer.
The storytelling is beautiful, with the graceful weaving in of folklore and other stories. The folktales themselves are cleverly twisted, filtered through the inventive mind of a child of the communist 80s. Ileana's reality is scary. and reminds or teaches readers of a dark period in not-so-distant history that we should be careful not to forget. The writing is very good. The danger is high in a chillingly quiet way. The characters are interesting. The village setting is atmospheric and reminds me so much of my own experiences living and traveling in rural parts of another European country once controlled by communism.
For most of the book, I kept debating whether I should give it four or five stars (and this from a person who doesn’t give a lot of 5-star ratings to novels). Was my five-star leaning just because I'm so interested in the culture and history and because it reminds me of my beloved home away from home? Should I give it four stars because of my sneaking suspicion that it might play better to adults than to the target audience?
Then I got to about the three-quarters mark. SEMI SPOILER ALERT. I may have missed something, but I began to find it a bit confusing. I didn't quite understand exactly what her parents had done and how Ileana knew certain things she did. I also found several things unrealistic, especially relating to the monastery, her uncle, the manifesto, and some soldiers. END SEMI SPOILERS
Because I was on the fence already, the above-mentioned confusion kept it down at four stars, but I really, really enjoyed it.
More accurate rating: 4.5 stars.
Personal enjoyment as an adult: Nearly 5 stars.
I will certainly read more by J. Kasper Kramer.
October 9, 2019
I love finding a read aloud that is entertaining and teaches about cultures, values, or history. The Story That Cannot Be Told did all three. Reading it as a family or class provides an excellent chance to talk about concepts of choice and individuality, how to treat others, and the role of government in our lives.
All my kids, except my toddler, found this book quite interesting. My second grader, Rebekah, stayed to listen most of the time but decided the book was just okay. The other children, fifth grade through college age, were eager to listen and even took turns reading aloud.
While the child Ileana’s story unfolds, it is interspersed with chapters from an enchanting fairytale about her namesake Princess Ileana. My children enjoyed looking for the foreshadowing elements. The tales are humorous and a little gruesome but mostly end happily for the important characters. The real life story and fairytale talk about death and disfiguration, which is appropriate I think given the setting, but are not overly gory.
The Story That Cannot Be Told and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak both have a serious tone mixed with subtle humor, a story within a story form, and death as a constant threat. I only noticed one use of a biblical swear word, which is a marked improvement over the casual habit Rosa Hubermann uses in swearing at everyone in The Book Thief.
I hope J. Kasper Kramer writes more thought-provoking books balanced with traditional family values.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own.
All my kids, except my toddler, found this book quite interesting. My second grader, Rebekah, stayed to listen most of the time but decided the book was just okay. The other children, fifth grade through college age, were eager to listen and even took turns reading aloud.
While the child Ileana’s story unfolds, it is interspersed with chapters from an enchanting fairytale about her namesake Princess Ileana. My children enjoyed looking for the foreshadowing elements. The tales are humorous and a little gruesome but mostly end happily for the important characters. The real life story and fairytale talk about death and disfiguration, which is appropriate I think given the setting, but are not overly gory.
The Story That Cannot Be Told and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak both have a serious tone mixed with subtle humor, a story within a story form, and death as a constant threat. I only noticed one use of a biblical swear word, which is a marked improvement over the casual habit Rosa Hubermann uses in swearing at everyone in The Book Thief.
I hope J. Kasper Kramer writes more thought-provoking books balanced with traditional family values.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own.
December 4, 2020
Ileana never realized how dangerous stories could be until her Uncle Andrei, the poet, disappeared and her father became super sad sure that the Romanian government took him for his writings. Ileana herself loves stories and constantly changing them, but when they discover their apartment is bugged, they realize the stories Ileana and her father have been telling each other could get them in serious trouble. Her parents send her off to her mother's parents who she's never met deep in the mountains for safety. But even in the mountains, stories follow and the government has its agents.
I've never read anything about Communist Romania before, so this was fascinating. The way Ileana uses stories and changes stories to make sense of what she is facing was so beautifully done. I love Ileana's grandparents and the unexpected friends she finds in their tiny community. If you are interested in Romanian history, the power of stories, or mountain village life in the late 1980s in Eastern Europe, snatch this up.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. Ileana witnesses the results of the state police torturing someone, and the climax involves demolishing of family houses, possessions, and violent threats. Some WWII experiences of elders in the community are also related. The history of Romania's revolution is related with some violent events included.
I've never read anything about Communist Romania before, so this was fascinating. The way Ileana uses stories and changes stories to make sense of what she is facing was so beautifully done. I love Ileana's grandparents and the unexpected friends she finds in their tiny community. If you are interested in Romanian history, the power of stories, or mountain village life in the late 1980s in Eastern Europe, snatch this up.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. Ileana witnesses the results of the state police torturing someone, and the climax involves demolishing of family houses, possessions, and violent threats. Some WWII experiences of elders in the community are also related. The history of Romania's revolution is related with some violent events included.
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