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The House of One Thousand Eyes
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The House of One Thousand Eyes

by Michelle Barker
  • fiction
  • from-british-columbia
  • historical

Who can Lena trust to help her find out the truth?

Life in East Germany in the early 1980s is not easy for most people, but for Lena, it’s particularly hard. After the death of her parents in a factory explosion and time spent in a psychiatric hospital recovering from the trauma, she is sent to live with her stern aunt, a devoted member of the ruling Communist Party. Visits with her beloved Uncle Erich, a best-selling author, are her only respite. But one night, her uncle disappears without a trace. Gone also are all his belongings, his books, and even his birth records. Lena is desperate to know what happened to him, but it’s as if he never existed. The worst thing, however, is that she cannot discuss her uncle or her attempts to find him with anyone, not even her best friends. There are government spies everywhere. But Lena is unafraid and refuses to give up her search, regardless of the consequences.

This searing novel about defiance, courage, and determination takes readers into the chilling world of a society ruled by autocratic despots, where nothing is what it seems.

Contributors

Michelle Barker, author

Michelle Barker is an award-winning author whose works include poetry chapbook, a YA fantasy novel, and a picture book. Michelle also works as an editor and a workshop leader. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia

Reviews

  • The rich historical details plunge readers into a chillingly realistic world where it is impossible for citizens to trust each other and in which Lena struggles with mental illness, sexual assault, and grief. A stunning and compassionate portrait of a young woman fighting to retain her sense of self under a repressive regime. - Kirkus Reviews Link to review

Rights Holder

Rights Holder: Annick Press

email: gaynat@annickpress.com

website: http://www.annickpress.com/

rights sold: Canada and USA

rights available: World

Additional Information

age range: 14 and up

number of pages: 354

publication date: 09/11/2018

Original language of pub: English

Materials Available: finished book