Heroes of the Secret Underground

by Susanne Gervay

A time-slip story inspired by the author's family in Budapest during the Holocaust

Louie lives with her brothers, Bert and Teddy, in a hotel run by their grandparents. It is one of Sydney's grand old buildings, rich in history ... and in secrets.

When a rose-gold locket, once thought lost, is uncovered, it sends Louie and her brothers spinning back in time. Back to a world at war: Budapest in the winter of 1944, where their grandparents are hiding secrets of their own ...

Genres: War, Historical Fiction

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2021

Reviews

[Hazel Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an evocative title and cover suggesting intrigue and this richly layered novel with dramatic scenes and humour does explore the concept of what is a hero.

In many families, today’s children have no understanding of the wartorn world in which their grandparents grew up. Secrets and clues about modest heroes may exist in memorabilia or photos. If ancestors kept quiet about admirable actions in extreme ,historic circumstances, how can these ‘heroic’ actions be acknowledged to inspire others? And how can a child in today’s world be heroic?

This story moves between two major time zones, via flashback and the solving of the mystery of a mislaid rose- gold locket with labyrinth links. Who was the mysterious girl who owned it? And how can Louie’s grandparents as children then, be so positive and loving now when they have experienced such tragedy?

The settings are important, especially the contrasts between Sydney’s fictional ‘The Majestic Boutique Hotel’ which the three generational family run today, and their Hungarian past during wartime.

Richly layered description appeals to all senses, especially via food , classical music, flowers and texture. And Hungarians are known for their generous hospitality, especially with food and this story has abundant food (except in the wartime flashbacks) .Hotel catering details and humorous incidents such as the ‘difficult guests’ give this story authenticity because Gervay has lived this hotel workstyle.Not to forget the ‘wildlife’ such as guest pets in the Australian hotel or the children’s jobs.

‘Morning. Breakfast duties. Bert carries guests’ bags to the foyer. Teddy fills a bowl of water for Peppy, who wags his tail and gives Bagoly a nip. Louie’s collecting lost property. Someone always forgets their glasses at their table. Or their jacket on a chair. Or their half-read book. ‘Here, Pa,’ Louie shudders. She hands him a pair of false teeth, wrapped in a serviette. ‘


The grandfather Pa (who is the original boy Zoltan in the flashback story) is the most memorable character. He is a quiet hero. But lighthearted ‘cameos’ such as Dame Coco and Mrs Tulip live in the pages. And in the flashbacks, ‘real’ historical figures have been used in very dramatic wartime scenes.

‘Cultural appropriation’ is a term which is in vogue. It suggests that a writer may draw only on lived experiences and the culture from which they come.

I disagree. A competent writer can research and create credible other worlds from those in which they grew up. But the strength of Gervay’s book is that she has drawn on her family’s Hungarian, Jewish heritage and the grandfather’s involvement in saving the lives of many young children during wartime. This is authentic faction, which is fact with a little dramatic licence. Gervay has also woven in the Hungarian State Opera House , the Glasshouse setting and other known buildings during the ‘chase’ and escape by the children. Facts are supplied at the end of the real places and people mentioned.

Writing about the Holocaust which is a serious subject does not make a worthy book. It is HOW the story is crafted which also matters and the reasons for writing it. Compassion and understanding matter, not hate. And that compassion is the central theme of ‘ Heroes of the Secret Underground’ which has been crafted in dramatic scenes.

Who are the potential readers’? Any age including adult. The beginning flashback to Budapest in 1944 wartime Hungary and the solders stripping the house and family of their valuables is YA but necessary to establish the plot importance of the locket symbol which links all the family mystery which the present day child Louie solves.Then the most appealing story begins of 13 year old Louie and siblings, Bert (named after Albert Einstein) and 4 year old Teddy in the present day hotel and this is freshest and most quirky.

Each reader regardless of age will take what has the most impact for them, from the story. It’s for the universal reader although the fact that Louie aged 13 is on verge of traditional womanhood is relevant to the plot. But the reader does not have to be of the age of the character.Many of the names are symbolic and the links are explained. The ‘shoe’ in the attic tradition links the periods.

Limiting a story to any age reader assumes all are emotionally equal according to chronological age, but they are not. A good writer knows that ‘interest’ age matters. So the rich vocabulary and issues are appropriate for the interested reader of any age.

So many adults and especially those who have become conscious of their cultural legacies during the current Pandemic, may wish to share- read this book with younger family members and discuss which characteristics in their family might be considered ‘heroic’ . Children like to know where they have come from and what it was like in the ‘olden days’.

Maybe it is the legacy for a writer to share ‘heroic’ family stories to inspire others? Gervay has done this.

(Character) Naomi repeats quietly. ‘We have to know the past, otherwise everything’s a maze. We just go around and around. We’re buried in lies and dead ends. It’s hard to find the way out then…’

Do you have quiet, modest heroes in your family? Maybe this important book could start a discussion?

[Victoria Mackinlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I inhaled this story in one sitting. The Budapest section especially is so action packed and full of tension that it’s impossible to put down.
What I loved most was the deep symbolism throughout - from the robins to the shoes, the magnolias to the black cockatoos, the Chai to the labyrinth. “There is nothing without meaning in it for those who wish to discover it,” said the author.
I also love the way that music is weaved through the story - it creates a sensory experience, a soundtrack. The literary references, from Dickens to the Cheshire cat solidify this text among the classics.
Little Klara, with her sparkling blue eyes and winged slippers, is one of those characters who will haunt me, but although there is horror on the pages, what comes through strongest is bravery and love. So much love!
This book profoundly moved me. It’s one of those books that leaves you ‘forever changed’ and I know it's going to move and be treasured by so many children.

[Liz Ledden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping middle grade timeslip/historical fiction, full of tension and packed with heart. An insight into the bravery, strength and resilience of children in 1944 Budapest under Nazi occupation. Despite the dark nature of the setting and time, there's a sense of hope and warmth infused. So well done.

[K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trigger warnings: war, Holocaust, death, antisemitism.

I love a good timeslip novel, and I honestly think middle grade is the PERFECT readership for timeslip novels so I was excited to read this one, because the timeslip part is a) set in Hungary and b) set during World War II, where a lot of timeslips I've read (like Australian classics Playing Beatie Bow and Merryll of the Stones) tend to feature the characters staying in the same place but going much further back in history.

I definitely enjoyed the part set in 1944, and I liked that the kids were trying to uncover the secrets their grandparents won't tell them. But the pacing of this was peculiar - the book was almost half over before the actual timeslip happened, and as a result the Hungary parts felt like they were rushed. So all in all, this was fine but not as good as I was hoping it would be.

[Sharon Rundle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heroes of the secret underground. My brief review.

Compelling, thrilling, shocking, fast paced, an absolute page-turner.
A roller coaster of an adventure that causes hearts to thump, sink, rise and finally to rejoice as the reader joins these strong memorable characters on a life-changing voyage across time and space. Gervay knows her readers are intelligent, imaginative and curious. Her remarkable talent as a writer draws in readers and leads them through a complex and potentially fraught story based on true events.

Beautifully crafted, this novel is a triumph for popular and well known author Susanne Gervay.

You won't regret buying this book, it's a keeper!

[Michelle Orrelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down, it was moving, poignant, and scary and I was impressed by how Susanne handled the very difficult subject of Nazis and the Holocaust coupled with time travel.
She skillfully gave iconic images meaning by making the young protagonists' experiences personal and real. It's an important book that I am sure will win many awards, and perhaps even more importantly, touch many young hearts.
I am looking forward to rereading it.

[Shelley]

Author's guest post at my blog:
https://bookfare.blogspot.com/2021/04...

[Melissa Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heroes of the Secret Underground is full of historical accurate information, infused in a seamless manner so younger readers can still engage with the storyline. There is much symbolism within this book. As the story unfolds we read about shoes, spider marks, death camps, Jewish tradition, people smugglers and much more.

The story introduces us to Louie, Bert and Teddy, siblings that live with their grandparents who are keeping a very big secret. After Louie finds a locket, she and her brothers are transported back in time to war-time Budapest. Their secret family history unfolds before their eyes. As they desperately try to find a way back to their real lives, they begin to understand the horror of the Holocaust and the impact it had on their grandparents and millions of other people.

Gervay includes historically accurate details in a way younger readers will be able to understand, but more importantly, discuss with others to learn more. The details she leaves out paint just as strong an image and understanding as the details she puts in. Gervay's careful planning allows the reader to move through time and scenes, along with the characters, without any confusion. Her imagery drops the reader right into Budapest along with the main characters making it a realistic, action packed and page turning read.

Strongly recommend you read this MG fiction to learn more about such a heartbreaking yet triumphant time in history through the very real creation of the secret underground.

[Hamish Weston · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book I loved how this book was written it was amazing so great I loved the concept how they made it that they went back in time to World war 2 and they saw the war through the eyes of their grandparents. Great book highly recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟

[Dianne Wolfer]

There are many layers in this impressive story. I enjoyed the way philosophy, music, the arts, and family wisdom are woven into each setting, forming a bridge to both eras. The research is impressive and I learnt much about Budapest's wartime history. And those shoes. The sad riverbank image remains in my mind; more so after following endnotes to a sculpture. Susanne's use of shoes as a thread throughout the story was powerful and honours traditions of her own European ancestry.
'Heroes of the Secret Underground' tells of things that must never be forgotten. What I loved most about this book, was the way compassion shines through every scene and knowing the author, that did not surprise me.

[Sammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an engaging and inspiring story. It tackles such serious issues but in a way that is appropriate and easy for kids to understand. It is by far the best book I have read in a long time!

In our current world climate full of evil leaders people in, this story is so timely and relevant and hopefully offers readers a warning into how quickly the world can change. This book offers readers the opportunity to learn from the past so hopefully history isn't doomed to repeat itself.

[Elizabeth Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEROES OF THE SECRET UNDERGROUND

The Holocaust: Budapest 1944 and A Child’s World: Sydney 2000

Could these two periods of time be more different? Can we look back and say we’ve learned from mistakes of the past and so built a new more tolerant world? What makes us human, defines both our capacity for great acts of charity, as well as our capacity for unspeakable acts of hatred. These critical questions are ones that Suanne Gevay’s latest novel, Heroes of the Secret Underground, demands its young readers to examine. Unafraid of tackling topics of war, cruelty, torture, genocide and grief to name but a few, Susanne holds the reader by the hand in this classic voyage and return adventure narrative. Steeped in the rich and terrible history of wartime Europe and the ensuing intergenerational trauma, Heroes of the Secret Underground invites its readers to literally step into the shoes of the oppressed with the young heroes in the story and journey back, to walk beside them through their trauma. By doing so, both the characters and the readers will better understand wartime history and the healing process, so helping find new meaning in their lives.

Susanne Gervay’s story stands tall amongst the greatest tales of human suffering. It evokes the motif of Hitler’s stolen pink rabbit, the magic of Carroll’s Narnia, the orphans of Dickens's Oliver Twist, the innocence and bravery of John Boyne’s boy in striped pajamas, and the hope in Gleitzman’s Felix and Zelda series. Gervay finds ways of showing the resilience and courage of her young protagonists during one of humanity’s darkest eras. I found myself lying awake thinking about the horror of those who were forced to jump to their deaths in freezing water for a long time after I finished reading this story. Gervay’s writing took me right there and held me tenderly as I reflected upon those empty shoes and wept. Yet in her retelling, there is a light that shines through the cracks in the doors, through the stained glass windows in the refuge of Budapest’s Glass House, and in the eyes of those who stand for social justice at a time when fear and atrocities dominated people’s lives. Nevertheless, the recounts and the memories of these atrocious historic events are presented to the reader in a compelling, age-appropriate, and heartfelt way.

How is it that Susanne can, and does, carry this off? Quite simply it is the light shining from her; the torch she carries as a crusader of truth and as a daughter of refugees who lived through this evil. As Susanne, herself says; ‘My parents taught me that, whatever evils beset us, we must keep our belief in the heroes in humanity. We must be courageous and for right, just like the underground did.’ Susanne not only have you given Australia a classic story, but you have given us yourself and the belief that with education comes understanding, the capacity for tolerance, and through that peace.

[Gaby Meares · Rating 5 out of 5]

The past is part of us.

Recently I was lucky enough to hear Susanne Gervay talk about the writing of this novel. It’s a personal book, based on her parents’ experience in Hungary during the second world war. In a conversation about writing non-fiction narrative books, she spoke about how important it is to begin a book with a hook that will immediately engage the reader. She nails it!

The Prologue is set in Budapest, Hungary, 1944. It’s winter. It’s dangerous to be Jewish. A family’s home is invaded by uniformed men who inform them that everything in the house is to be taken away ‘for safe keeping’, including a special rose-gold locket taken from Verushka, the daughter of the family. This locket is the key to the novel.

Chapter One shifts our attention to Sydney, Australia, 2000. It’s summer. We meet thirteen year old Louie, her older brother Bert and little brother Teddy. They live with their Pa and Grandma in the Majestic Boutique Hotel. Although the children miss their parents, who are musicians and spend a lot of time touring the world, they love living with their grandparents. They feel safe and loved. Sydney readers will recognise landmarks from the Eastern Suburbs. When Louie finds an old rose-gold locket dropped by a mysterious girl, she starts a chain of events that sees her and her brothers time-slip to war-torn Budapest 1944.

Through the eyes of these twenty-first century children, we experience the horror of the Nazi occupation of Hungary and the bravery of so many citizens to protect their Jewish neighbours from torture and death.

As a child, I remember reading The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier, now considered a classic. Set in Poland during the Nazi occupation, the book had a huge effect on me. It was a record of the horror that occurred, but also a story of tremendous courage in the face of evil. Susanne Gervay’s book can sit proudly beside Serraillier’s book. It’s a novel that should be read - it’s fast paced and exciting and will keep a reader totally engrossed. But it’s the courage of ordinary people, and children, that makes this book unforgettable.

The author has included a fabulous glossary, so that the reader can further explore the real history behind the story.

Recommended for ages 9 years old +.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a rollercoaster of an adventure that causes hearts to thump, sink, rise and finally to rejoice as the reader joins these strong memorable characters on a life-changing voyage across time and space. Gervay knows her readers are intelligent, imaginative, and curious. Her remarkable talent as a writer draws in readers and leads them through a complex and potentially fraught story based on true events.

This is a story for our times which shows how young people can not only survive a world turned upside down by war and inhumanity but together can actively save others and make a difference.

This story could not have been written by anyone without deep knowledge of the events that underpin the narrative. True historical events experienced by Susanne Gervay’s own family give Heroes of the Secret Underground an underlying authenticity and emotional truth that cannot be emulated by someone without first-hand family histories such as those Gervay draws on for her book.

The innovative time slip which takes the children through a portal and back to Budapest in 1944 is well crafted and provides a credible, if preternatural, path for the children to return to times past. Tension and suspense build to a crescendo as the children come to realise what is happening and that they must use their wits and learn who to trust so that they can navigate this unfamiliar dimension. An astonishing story of resilience, bravery and compassion unfolds as these young heroes, and readers, learn about significant events that happened in their grandparents’ lifetimes and the resources that we all have within ourselves.

Beautifully crafted, this novel is a triumph for popular and well-known author Susanne Gervay. Her best book yet!

[mun mun · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a girl found a locket in a park left by someone who seemed nonexistent, she was accompanied by her brothers to another dimension back to one of the most devastating wars of mankind, where she discovered the truth about her grandparents and their role in the war. This is Susane Gervay’s “Heroes of the Secret Underground”.

Set in two different periods, our main character Louie and her brothers, Bert and Teddy discovered a strange but rather exquisite piece of jewelry. Amazed by its magnificent designs, carves and notches, Louie sets off to find the real owner. A little bit of discovery found her in a watchtower, before vanishing to another world, where World War 2 was happening. There, they found their grandparents working to rescue a group of kids away from the Nazis concentration camp.

The subject of war is one of the hardest to talk about, as it reminds us of the terrible things, the suffering and killing of millions of people. However, amid the conflict, there were always those who stood up to gain freedom. Susanne’s work perfectly reflects those people, giving us a speck of hope, to remind us to never give up, when things look impossible.

In a nutshell, “Heroes of the Secret Underground” is truly a masterpiece. Its remembrance of war, particularly the involvement of the Nazis and the Jews, will leave readers with an everlasting message inscribed deeply into the reader’s heart. I would recommend this book to young adults, who have an interest in historical fiction, with a twist of family and friends.

Reviewed by my son (12 years old)

[Denise Newton · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://denisenewtonwrites.com/?p=2686
Heroes of the Secret Underground
Susanne Gervay

The three children at the centre of the story travel unwillingly back to a time when terrible deeds were done that became terrible secrets. They find that many things can’t be put right, but that there are some things that can.

Heroes of the Secret Underground will suit middle grade and younger YA readers who enjoy fantasy elements in historical stories that explore some darker moments in history, but also show how unity, friendship and courage can help restore a balance.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have loved this book when I was 10 years old.

For fans of Morris Gleitzman’s ‘Once’, ‘The silver sword’ & ‘Playing Beattie Bow’. This is a time slip novel featuring 3 siblings living with their grandparents (and musician, globetrotting parents) at The Majestic- the family business & boutique hotel in Sydney, in the year 2000.

The children find clues of their maternal grandparents Hungarian WW2 past, but fail to get them to talk about their experiences.

Through Naomi and a necklace (locket), the children are able to learn first-hand of their grandparents earlier lives in 1944 Hungary.

[Brenton Cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

No words. no words. I read Heroes of the Underground back to back with another Gervay title, 'The Cave' and they are powerhouse stories. Gervay is an expert at weaving and teasing, knowing when to hold them and when to fold them, and she keeps readers moving on reading journeys of sparkling emotion and truth. This book will live in my head for a long time - it's one of THOSE books. One of those books that you set down and think 'Now THAT is a real BOOK. This is why stories are needed.'

Speechless.. Don't bother reading my review, just go beg, borrow, and steal a copy of 'Heroes of the Underground'. You'll fall in love with the voice from the start and won't regret it.

[Sarah Bacaller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced, viscerally evocative story that skilfully weaves history, memoir, philosophical reflection and fantasy into a plot suitable for middle-grade readers. There is a sensitive and appropriate degree of realism regarding the atrocities of Nazi invasion into Hungary, within a gripping plot that places children's experience front and centre. This story offers crucial education for young people, focusing on a place (Budapest, Hungary) not often explored in popular Western literature. This title will value-add significantly to any young person's bookshelf.

[Nadia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Suitable for a younger, middle fiction aged audience, the story offers an interesting insight into the German occupation of Budapest in 1944 as seen through the eyes of three children, who travel back in time from Sydney in the year 2000. They witness events, experience the fear of the times, and learn secrets about their Hungarian grandparents, and how they survived and escaped from the Nazi-occupied city.

[Anna Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable time slip novel set in modern day Australia and Budapest in 1944. I particularly enjoyed the Hungarian portion of the book and loved visualising the Budapest landmarks I am so familiar with.

[Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

with the proverbial 1/2 !
Competently written that takes the reader to WW2 Budapest, truly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
A sense of hope comes through...
The Majestic hotel brought back memories of my childhood visiting the blue mountains.

[Edward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent young adult story of World War II in Hungary. Apparently, the story is a reflection of the story of the author's family and their experience. It can be an introduction to the Holocaust for children who are ready to understand what happened in WWII.

[Jen Nishi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent WWII read. It read as part ghost story and part time jump novel. I enjoyed the time jump though was confused at times about what was going on. But the emotions this book was able to emphasize was fantastic.

[Kasey Drayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will be recommending this beautiful book to all the middle school students at my school!

[Carolyn Scarcella · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an engaging and inspiring story book called “Heroes of the Secret Underground” written by Susanne Gervay. Her grandfather was a Holocaust survivor and that’s her story inspired about her heritage as a Hungarian and Jewish. Her grandfather saves many young children during the WW2. The story unfolds about three siblings were living with their grandparents at the time in Sydney, 2000. One of the sibling, Louie found a Locket. Their grandparents secret. The siblings had to find clues where their grandparents were telling the story that transported back in time to wartime Budapest. They had to get through to Naomi first to connect locket (necklace). The children are able to learn firsthand about their grandparents earlier lives in 1944 Hungary. They desperately try to find a way back to their real lives. The children understand the horrors and impacts their grandparents and others during the Holocaust. Gervay writes to keep simple story details in a way so younger readers will able to understand. It’s a good opportunity to learn from the past, so hopefully history isn’t doomed to repeat itself. I did enjoy reading as a result because it’s very different from what I normally read.

[Brydie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for sharing your very personal account of loved ones who experienced the Holocaust in Hungary, Suzanne. I have learned so much from this novel, and even more on a re-reading. Such a beautifully told story, woven in the fabric of the timeslip adventure genre. A true education for both children and adults.

[Annaleise Byrd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Susanne Gervay, acclaimed Australian author of the I Am Jack series, along with various picture books and standalone novels, has written a powerful and moving middle grade novel inspired by her family’s experiences in Nazi-occupied Budapest during World War II.

In the year 2000, twelve-year-old Louie lives at the Majestic Boutique Hotel in Sydney, Australia, with her younger brother Teddy and older brother Bert. The hotel is operated by the trio’s grandparents, Pa and Grandma, Hungarian immigrants who don’t like to talk about their past. The children’s parents are musicians who travel the world and are absent throughout the novel.

Early in the story, Louie encounters a mysterious girl on the street and ends up in possession of a rose-gold locket with mysterious patterns and symbols. Louie puzzles over the locket in between scenes of hotel life, sibling antics, and drama with a neighbour who accuses her of stealing the locket.

Gervay takes her time establishing the intergenerational family dynamics, allowing the reader to fully appreciate the bond between the children and their beloved grandparents before the children are catapulted back to the war-torn Hungary of 1944. There, they meet their future grandparents, who are young teens working for the ‘secret underground’—a group helping Jewish children hide from and escape the Nazis.

The novel really hits its stride after the children ‘fall through time’, one third of the way through the book. In Budapest, the stakes are high and the danger palpable. Scenes inside the Glass House, on Margaret Island, in the Opera House, and on the banks of the Danube are evidence of Gervay’s trip to Hungary to research this novel. Several pages of back matter contain information about some of the story’s key people and places.

This is an engrossing book with both historical and magical elements, perfect for middle grade readers mature enough to handle some potentially distressing scenes of violence and cruelty. The novel’s messages of heroism, kindness and peace are important and necessary for our times.

This review was first shared on StoryLinks Australia.

[Susan Prescott · Rating 4 out of 5]

The gripping and vivid story of three modern youngsters transported back from the present in sunny Sydney to the horrors of World War Two in Budapest – where they come face to face with the heroic sacrifices and courageous escape of their own grandparents; about which they knew nothing at all.
A reflection on the hope of the future as it counterbalances the despair of the past, all wrapped up in unstoppable action which keeps the pages turning right to the very end!