The Road of Bones

The author of Madame Doubtfire turns to grittier, more political subject matter as she traces the circular route of revolution and its devastating effects on her protagonist. Growing up in a “sort-of Russia, in a sort-of 1930s, under a Stalin-type leader,” Yuri has been taught to keep a low profile and never question government policies, no matter how unjust they may seem. But one small error in judgment marks him as a traitor and his life is soon in danger. Fine narrates a harrowing account of his flight, capture, imprisonment and sentence to hard labor, offering example after example of intolerance and torture. Although the rise of movements against the government at first appear to offer Yuri hope, the novel's outcome underscores the notion that history repeats itself. Dark and thought-provoking. Ages 12–up. (May)