Description
Shadow of a Hero ‘It mustn’t happen,’ whispered Letta. ‘Nothing’s worth that much, nothing …’ Letta, born and brought up in London, knows little of Varina – the tiny Balkan state where her parents both grew up. She learns the language and loves the old folk-tales, but she’s British – not Varinian. Or is she? For as Eastern Europe plunges into chaos following the collapse of communism, Letta’s grandfather – who bears the same name as Varina’s legendary Hero – becomes a figurehead for calls of independence for the tiny nation. Filled with enthusiasm, Letta joins a group travelling to Varina for a ‘culture festival’ – only to be met by soldiers with guns. Suddenly the whole bitter, deceitful history is as real as yesterday and Letta realizes with horror how fragile they are as a nation – how easily broken by the shadows from the past… A powerful and timely novel from the award-winning author of TULKU, EVA, A.K. and A BONE FROM A DRY SEA. ‘The power, versatility, sheer professionalism of [Peter Dickinson’s] new book are such as few writers, past or present, can hope to match. A great and eloquent story … relentlessly readable’ –THE JUNIOR BOOKSHELF Paperback 299 pages In excellent preloved condition