The Girl They Left Behind

By: Roxanne Veletzos

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

A sweeping family saga and love story that offers a vivid and unique portrayal of life in war-torn 1941 Bucharest and life behind the Iron Curtain during the Soviet Union occupation - perfect for fans of Lilac Girls and Sarah’s Key.

On a freezing night in January 1941, a little Jewish girl is found on the steps of an apartment building in Bucharest. With Romania recently allied with the Nazis, the Jewish population is in grave danger, undergoing increasingly violent persecution. The girl is placed in an orphanage and eventually adopted by a wealthy, childless couple who name her Natalia. As she assimilates into her new life, she all but forgets the parents who were forced to leave her behind. They are even further from her mind when Romania falls under Soviet occupation.

Yet, as Natalia comes of age in a bleak and hopeless world, traces of her identity pierce the surface of her everyday life, leading gradually to a discovery that will change her destiny. She has a secret crush on Victor, an intense young man who as an impoverished student befriended her family long ago. Years later, when Natalia is in her early 20s and working at a warehouse packing fruit, she and Victor, now an important official in the Communist regime, cross paths again. This time, they are fatefully drawn into a passionate affair despite the obstacles swirling around them and Victor’s dark secrets.

When Natalia is suddenly offered a one-time chance at freedom, Victor is determined to help her escape, even if it means losing her. Natalia must make an agonizing decision: remain in Bucharest with her beloved adoptive parents and the man she has come to love or seize the chance to finally live life on her own terms and to confront the painful enigma of her past.

©2018 Roxanne Veletzos (P)2018 Simon & Schuster

A Different Look

This is a different look at the horrors of WW2, and the inhumane and inequality of the Soviet regime. The narration is superb. In my view, Cassandra Campbell is one of the very best narrators. I often look to her for my next Audible selection.

One of the best Audible books ever!

The story is amazing, the narration is perfect, the characters are realistic and the history is startling. I learned so much about România, Bucharest,World War I and human nature. It was suitable for teens as well as adults with clean language and imagery.

Wow, What a life story

This book is beautiful. Family, in all forms. Love At all stages. Up’s and Down’s that can only be told in a story like this to help us understand what people went through to be free.

Awesome

From the beginning of the story to the very last word, I was enthralled with this incredible story.
I couldn’t turn it off.
Excellent narration. Very impressive accents and voice changes. Good job.

A telling that inspires appreciation for our freedoms

In today’s culture where efforts to rewrite or erase history altogether, this author has found a venue handed down by generation after generation of passing on history: storytelling. She has developed her characters such that we can know them in a real way, and empathize with their hardships, their sorrows, their tenacity and endurance; their hopes and aspirations. She also inspires appreciation for the freedoms we have here in America, most often taken for granted, and in the end points to the available opportunity to make more of oneself here in America apart from restrictions in class.

I give this book a five star rating for its authenticity with historical evidence, it’s plot and character development that reads at a great pace.

Interesting background, overly emotional

Set in Bucharest, Romania in the days before, during, and after WWII, the book was of historical interest. The plot, however, was too melodramatic, too much hand-wringing and emotion. Excellent, accented performance. Story held my interest and I'd recommend it.

Extraordinarily good book!

This may well be a favorite of mine. The story and delivery
We’re superb! Highly will recommend this one!

Excellent from Start to Finish!

Excellent from start to finish. Compelling story. Well written characters. Lovely prose. Touching and beautifully narrated.

Heartbreaking, beautiful & inspiring.

It broke my heart to hear the personal stories of how families suffered, but their resilience and spirit was inspiring.

great read

loved it! I truly enjoyed listening to the book. I highly recommend this book for all.