Vivie's Secret

by Terry Lee Caruthers

"An engaging read, particularly for cat lovers, and a promising debut." – Kirkus Reviews Twelve-year-old Vivie and her family flee for their lives during the 1956 Soviet invasion of Hungary. Despite the trials and travails of life on the run—starvation, trauma, fear—Vivie remains haunted by the fate of her beloved feline, Norsk, whom she was forced to leave behind. She develops a lifelong affinity for the strays and ferals she encounters during their escape, seeing both her current situation and Norsk’s reflected in their existence on the street—skinny, scared, and without a real home. During this arduous journey, Vivie is cautioned to safeguard her true identity because of those who wish to do her harm. Bound for the United States, Poppa entrusts her with a butcher-paper-wrapped packet containing this family secret. It is a secret that must be protected at all costs. A secret Vivie guards for the remainder of her life.

Genres: Historical

221 pages, Paperback

Published July 23, 2020

About the author

Terry Lee Caruthers enjoys writing, storytelling, and cats with a little cross-stitching on the side. Her preference is to spend her days curled up in the porch swing with a large glass of ice water and a good book. And yes! Unbelievably, she actually has a porch swing in her living room!

Terry credits her mother and maternal grandmother for nurturing her love of books. As a lifetime reader, she is drawn to coming-of-age novels and Southern literary fiction, but can't pass up a good mystery. Her favorite book of all time is Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird," which she was assigned to read in ninth grade--and has re-read almost every year since. Because of her prior involvement in cat rescue, Terry collects books on stray, feral, lost, and abandoned cats.

While fall is her favorite time of the year, she does love a good, deep snow. Summer is a season she could do without--although she does love its caladiums!

When not working, Terry spends her time writing. She has several more manuscripts in progress which she hopes to share with you in the future.

Reviews

[Paula]

I was so happy to get this book. The author lives in my neighborhood.

I literally read this in one sitting. I could not put this book down. The more I read ,the more I cried. I was completely taken into the story. I could vision very part of it. Even my cat thought there was something wrong when I started to cry.
Terry did a beautiful job of telling a story that flows so well. There are ins and out ,then small twists.
I highly recommend this book. You will not want to put it down.

[Sublime Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Rating = 4.33

Storyline & Concept = 4.75

Writing & Delivery = 4

Editorial = 4.25

Vivie’s Secret is a story about a 12-year old girl, Vivie, and her family, who flee Hungary during the Soviet Invasion in 1956. It begins as the family escapes their home in Budapest, and it follows their journey, as seen through the eyes of the young girl. Once in America, her memories of her beloved cat she left in Hungary and her difficult journey as a refugee are mirrored in her fascination and empathy for the many feral cats she encounters throughout her life. The author makes the reader feel invested and compassionate towards Vivie ‘s character as we are taken through her difficult experiences and growth from a tween to an accomplished woman. There is also an air of mystery regarding the secret that she hints about throughout the novel.

This book uses wonderful descriptions to paint a picture of Vivie’s life, particularly her younger years. It helps us to understand her character and the hardships her family overcame. Her 12-year old point of view maintains a childlike innocence and lightness amongst the darker subject matter revealed at the beginning of the novel. The time frames and settings change more frequently in her later years, perhaps a bit too often for the reader to appreciate Vivie’s growth as a person. I would like to have seen more of her relationship with Lea. Overall, it is a very well-written and descriptive story of this woman’s life journey. I would recommend this novel for young adults and adults alike.

Sublime Line: “The author shapes a well-written and poignant story where moments of conflict and tension are balanced by the warmth of Vivie’s connection with the feral cats she rescues.”

[Ann Schwarz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to receive a copy of this wonderful novel. Based on a real person, Vivie's Secret is the heartbreaking story of Vivie's courage in the face of the unspeakable atrocities that took place in Eastern Europe after WWII. Vivie and her family are forced to leave their home as the Soviet Union invades Hungary, taking only the clothes on their back and what few possessions they can carry. As refugees, they travel across Europe, seeking shelter where they can, oftentimes sleeping outdoors in the cold of winter with very little to eat or protect them from the elements or from people who are eager to harm those they see as weak or defenseless. Leaving behind her beloved pet, never knowing what became of Norsk, her cat, could have made Vivie into an angry and bitter person. Instead, she becomes someone full of empathy and compassion for those in need, especially the unwanted strays of the world, feral cats in particular. In spite of the sadness present in this novel, it still manages to be a hopeful tale. It is also a very timely one that paints a vivid picture of what it means to be a refugee or a person in need of asylum in an oftentimes cruel and uncertain world. I recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, or a real and unique coming of age story.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family and cats

I chose this book purely because 1. I loved the cover. 2. The title intrigued me and the write up was just enough to get my attention to want to read more.

It was a wonderful story loosely based on a real one. About a young girl from Hungary who had to leave behind her beloved cat Norsk when her family had to flee the country. There was several instances throughout the story she would talk about Norsk that would always bring tears to my eyes. (I’m a self proclaimed cat lady). Throughout her life she became very accomplished and had lots of people who came into her life that were very near and dear to her. She learned about feral cats and their colonies and how to help and protect them through TNR (trap, neuter, and release). It’s an eye opener about how people can just neglect cats and how they reproduce and no one cares until it’s a problem. Vivie was someone who cared and did something about it wherever she was. A wonderful story.

I was able to read this book and share my opinion from LibraryThing

[Michael Doane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivie’s Secret is a moving and beautifully crafted debut that weaves historical drama, suspense, and the tender bond between humans and animals. Terry Lee Caruthers tells the story of twelve-year-old Vivie, whose life is upended during the 1956 Soviet invasion of Hungary. Amid the turmoil of displacement, starvation, and fear, Vivie is haunted by the fate of her beloved cat, Norsk, whose absence mirrors the vulnerabilities and resilience of those around her.

Caruthers excels at capturing both the immediacy of danger and the quiet, persistent strength of a young girl navigating a world turned upside down. The narrative balances tension, historical insight, and emotional depth, while Vivie’s unwavering sense of responsibility and courage makes her a compelling and relatable protagonist. Vivie’s Secret is a story of survival, identity, and the enduring connections that shape us even in the harshest circumstances.

Michael

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley. 4.5⭐️ rounded up. Loosely based on the life of Vivie Babb. A riveting story of Vivie Degirdro. As a 12 year old, Vivie, her mother, father and younger sister Mae escape Hungary during the deadly Hungarian Revolution of 1956 but she is forced to leave her beloved cat, Norse, behind. Walking long distances in fear for their lives, they meet several people willing to help them. Vivie absorbs their words of wisdom but also tragic events were not only on display but also directed at her family. Toward the end of their long journey, the family is forced to separate and Vivie is to be cared for the wealthy Oliver McNabb and his wife. The story continues following Vivie and her love of learning and devotion to feral and abandoned cats. I read this quickly and would highly recommend!

[Catherine Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best book ever!! I loved these kinds of books because of the history. This book has a mix of everything. Evey emotion you can think of. I loved how the author wrote the history of the war and how it effected the family in the book. I just cried so hard in so many places in the book. Its wonderful. I would love to read more books by this author.

I received a free copy of the book and is voluntarily writing a review

[Jeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! As a cat lover myself it had just what I needed! Her journey was so interesting to follow. The ending was surprising! Quick read and I can't wait until her next book!

[Ruthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cats and history

This was a thoroughly enjoyable book to read. It's pages are full of adventure, history and a love of cats