The Fall of the Red Star

by Helen M. Szablya, Peggy King Anderson

Boyds Mills Press publishes a wide range of high-quality fiction and nonfiction picture books, chapter books, novels, and nonfiction

Genres: Historical Fiction

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Helen Mary Szablya

Reviews

[Eden · Rating 4 out of 5]

2021 bk 340. I ran across this tale of the Hungarian Revolution and the story of a boy scout troop that existed underground. This was an excellent introduction to what was going on in Hungary at the time. It provided glimpses into the story of life under communism when a family is practicing Catholic and what lengths they would go to to keep their children free thinking. When the revolution comes, the boy scouts become involved as both fighters and first aid responders, helping distribute arms and molotov cocktails and then burying their dead. This based on the life of Helen M. Szablya who was a young mother at the time. The author managed to escape with her husband and new-born child and eventually made her way to the United States. I've ordered her memoir of the experience as a result of reading this book.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

All history should be taught through historical fiction like this book about the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. I think I never quite understood what it was like and what effect it had on the city until I read this book, despite having grown up with two eye-witnesses.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this book when I was around 8, it started a life long love of war dramas and has obviously stuck with me as I’m 26 now.

[Niki Walters]

My grandparents escaped Hungary during the revolution and that inspired me to read this book.

[Melody · Rating 2 out of 5]

More of a poorly written family story than mainstream historical fiction.

[Mandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 11 year old son said it was "a very interesting book". He enjoyed learning about the Hungarian's fight for freedom.

Update: Well, I was going to add my own review but unfortunately I left our copy at one of the motels we stayed in during our vacation and our library does not have it. Bummer. I was really enjoying the story though it is a very sad one in many parts of it. What I can say is that I find this history fascinating and inspiring. A very good documentary about the 1956 Hungarian Revolt is called 'Freedom's Fury'. I also found some great Youtubes about the revolt as well.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is very interesting if u ever read it u will luv it!!!!

[Rondi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good info on the Hungarian Revolution. Learned a lot. She used the word "trickled" too much!