Which Way Is Home?

by Maria Kiely

A debut novel about a family escaping Czechoslovakia after the 1948 Communist takeover--based on the author's own family history.

Anna's father disappeared months ago. He had to flee the country because the cruel new Communist government wanted to arrest him. The Communists may have arrived like heroes at the end of World War II, saving Czechoslovakia from the Nazis--but since then, things have changed. Now Anna's whole family feels threatened and doesn't know whom to trust, so she and her mother and sister set out to escape, hoping to reunite with Papa. During their dangerous journey, they have to hide from the authorities and navigate through the wilderness, constantly relying on people they've never met for help. They have no way to contact Papa and they're running out of options, so putting their lives in the hands of strangers might be their only hope of seeing him again.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, World War II, Family

179 pages, Hardcover

First published May 12, 2020

Reviews

[CLM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction written for a very young audience, based on Jana Kiely's life as a child in Czechoslovakia. I met her and her husband once or twice when I was in college and they were co-masters of Adams House. They were prominent Catholics who were friendly my parents.

The story was suspenseful and vividly written, written by her daughter. I was glad she told me the cousins were reunited although it took 40 years!

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25- probably would’ve enjoyed it better if i was younger. but i didn’t really connect to any of the characters while reading this

[Katie Reilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and publisher for sharing an early copy with #bookexpedition.

Based on the author’s family history, this story about a family leaving Czechoslovakia after the Communist takeover in 1948 will have readers holding on tight!

Anna loves her life on her family’s farm. Her days are filled with strawberry fields, animals, her fun cousins, and family she adores. But when Anna’s father is forced to flee (or be arrested by the Russians), her life doesn’t feel so safe anymore. She, along with her mother and sister, set out to escape and (hopefully) reunite with her father. During their journey, they’ll have to be careful who they trust while counting on strangers for help. It’s a tricky balance!

With an author’s note that can’t be missed and themes of courage, trust and hope, this is one I’ll preorder and have ready for my classroom when it publishes in May 2020.

[Lynn Plourde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Anna and all the other characters felt so real--likely because they are based on the author's mother and grandmother and their own real-life experiences of escaping Czechoslovakia as the Communists were taking over the country in 1948. The writing is fast-paced and the author makes history accessible to young readers. Will Anna and her family escape? Will they find her father? Where will they go? Will they ever be able to return "home"? A story well-told about a part of history that I knew little about--and I suspect young readers know little about. "Which Way Is Home?" would make a great classroom read-aloud.

[Alex Baugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story based on the author's mother and grandmother's actual escape from post-WWII communist Czechoslovakia in 1948. The story is narrated by 11-year-old Anna. While it was a heart-warming story, full of everyday details, I found it a little dull, lacking the kind of tension I would have expected from a story of escape, especially one involving communists, and I'm afraid it might not hold readers attention. Also, it may require more information about the time and what was happening in Europe that readers may not have. There is a map, but it only should the journey of the family, but not clearly in relation to where each place was that they stopped in. Kids really into history will find this an interesting book.

[Bridgette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the author's family story of escaping Communist Czechoslovakia, this is a surprisingly gentle lower MG novel about what home and family is and one family's journey to safety. Perfect for readers who like historical fiction. The writing is a little simplistic for my taste, but it will do well with kids eight and up. The chapters are very short, which helped it read faster, and is good for reluctant readers. The Author's Note at the end gives some closure as to what happened to the family after the last page of the story.

[Hadassah Buie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is based on the author's mother's story, which makes it so much better. I was surprised at the accuracy of which the 11 year-old main character, Anna, was written, as she was a realistic child. Which Way is Home is also the cleanest book I have read recently. Your 8 year-olds will probably love it.

[Joanna Spock Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent first book.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

WWII is over. Anna's family was so happy to see the Russians enter Czechoslovakia and be free of the Germans, but now they are learning that the Russians and their Communism may be even worse. Anna's family is too close to the old government. Her grandfather was a former prime minister, and her father was a Czech foreign diplomat turned spy for the Allies during the war. He hasn't been able to come home for years for fear the Germans would catch him, and now the Communists would love to get their hands on him. Anna loves life on her family's farm, playing make believe with her cousin, and the smell of fresh strawberries. But one night her aunt shows up and says Anna is to join her mother and sister in Prague for her sister's piano concert. Only that's not where they are really headed. Once she meets up with her mother and sister, Anna learns that they are escaping into Germany. It's a dangerous journey. Can they make it?

Definitely read the author's note in this one. This is all based on the author's mother's experiences (who is still alive and gave feedback as the book was being written). As I was reading it I actually was thinking how authentically 11 years old the main character felt with how she loves to jump into imaginary play but is also curious about being a teen (her older sister is in her mid-teens), and it turns out it was because this was based on memories of a real 11 year old. Anna doesn't fully understand all that is going on from the get go or the potential dangers, so this is a safer/quieter escape from a Communist country story. There are a couple other escape from Communist country stories out for middle grades now, but I think this is the first Czech one I've seen. I also like that this segues from WWII to the Communists taking over to help readers get a better concept of the time line, and it'll appeal to the hoards of readers who can't get enough WWII stories while maybe getting them hooked on another time period. This is also a fairly quick read. I read it in one sitting, so it is a good pick for more reluctant readers too. Hand this to those who want a lighter suspense/adventure/escape story based strongly in history and place.

Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. The full weight of just how serious and dangerous the journey is isn't totally conveyed. Anna knows it is dangerous, and that they could be taken to prison but that seems like more of a vague concept to her. Anna and her cousin wonder if their dads are still alive, or if they were killed by the Nazis or Communists. They don't wonder in detail, and it is more of a missing them thing.

[Kacennnka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vždycky je strašně zvláštní číst knihy o místech, které znáte, ale které psali cizinci. Některé věci napsané o Československu byly hrozně roztomile špatně (např. že tu byly postavy Jan a Honza a nikomu úplně nedošlo, že je to stejné jméno, anebo když názvy lidových písniček přejímaly anglickou gramatiku anebo třeba Babicka a Dedecek s velkými písmeny a bez diakritiky). Přesto. Tohle čtení bylo fakt hezký a přímočarý, a i když hlavní protagonisté měli hlavně obrovské štěstí a nebyly tam nijak šílené zvraty, je to důležité čtení. Přestože je to spíš middle grade, rozhodně by tím neměli pohrdnout ani dospělí, protože jsou věci, které je prostě důležité připomínat. A taky se toho snad dočkáme v češtině. 🙂

[Heather Layne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was definitely for younger readers. It was very short and simple. However, the emotions were captured well, and it really sounded like it was from the perspective of a child.

[Diana Forsberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have you been wondering lately what Czechoslovakia was like right after WWII? Probably not—or at least I wasn’t when I ran across a copy of the book “Which Way is Home?” by Maria Kiely. However, I enjoy historical fiction set in this timeframe. So, I decided to read the book. As a note, the book is geared toward younger readers.

The book is based on the true story of the author’s family and their escape in 1948 from Czechoslovakia. The story is told from the viewpoint of Anna, the 11-year-old daughter in the family. (As a note, the character of Anna is based on the real-life mother of the author.)

The book is set in a turbulent time in Czech history. Although WWII had ended, the Communist had taken over the country. At the start of the story, Anna’s mother makes the decision to flee Czechoslovakia with her two daughters and try to reunite with her husband, believing that it was no longer safe to remain. Her husband had already fled the country and had to do so quickly as there was a warrant out for his arrest. He had worked as a spy for the Resistance during WWII, and after the war, he refused to join the Communist Party, making him less than popular with the government.

In brief, the family’s escape is one of hiding, relying on strangers, a dangerous journey on foot through the wilderness, and some luck. Eventually they make it across the border into Germany, and the family is reunited.

Although the book was written for younger readers, I felt that the hardships and danger of the era was too softly addressed in the book. It read almost like a “fun” adventure. As an adult, I know the history and can understand the urgency that the mother must have felt to undertake what was a very dangerous option. However, many (if not most) younger readers would not understand this without a little more background.

Of course, I’m not suggesting that any graphic, grisly information would be suitable for younger readers. However, I feel some additional age-appropriate “texture” to the story would have helped younger readers understand the era and the need for the escape more fully.

Overall, I would recommend this as a good book for younger readers. This book would make an excellent learning option for younger readers if it was supplemented by other sources.

[Jennie Englund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home. “It’s where we always come back to… where we’re from.”

Can Anna depend on her curiosity, independence, and intuition help her find another when she has to leave the place she’s “spent [her] life connected to?...Where will home be now?”

Can her mushroom-foraging skills ensure her survival in getting there? Her knowledge of the natural world? What can she rely on to get her secrets-stuffed copy of Wuthering Heights to the German post during World War II?

A story of one family’s struggle with forced migration, Maria Kiely’s Which Way Is Home promises, it turns out, that if we pay attention, we can rely on ourselves—and on kind strangers.

Daughter, sister, cousin, gymnast Anna has everything: her family, faith, a farm with lambs, geese, and a loyal dog. But, she must leave it all behind when “everything was changing with the Communist takeover” in her beloved Czechoslovakia. Yes, she is afraid and lost. Still, on foot, by train, she must travel to the safety of the Austrian Alps.

There are many, many gifts in this based-on-truth story, such as the setting of war against the vast backdrop of peaceful nature, the intuitiveness with which Anna knows who she can trust. The details—strawberries, cabbage soup, chewing gum—are intentional and meaningful. And the theme is more significant than ever to young readers these days: Anna wonders if it’s better to “savor our dreams” and try to hold onto home, or to let it go? Is it possible to being okay if you have to start over?

Moving in both pace and emotion, Which Way Is Home is that masterful balance between history and imagination, forty-one chapters of discovering how to find “that special spot.”

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s 1948, and 11 yr old Anna and her family live in Roven, a small farming town in Czechoslovakia. Elation over the end of the war has given way to tension as Russian communists have turned neighbor against neighbor. With no warning Anna’s mother secretly whisks her and her sister Ruzena off to try to reach Germany, where they hope to get a message to Anna’s father, a diplomat, who has been in hiding in France. Anna’s contented life of imaginative play on the farm with her cousins becomes a frightening journey with an uncertain outcome. She learns to speak softly without whispering, so as not to draw attention, and she also learns compassion for those who have even less than she does. The historical backdrop is effectively imparted by kids chatting together as part of everyday conversation. Anna narrates, and shares her fears and newly found awareness of adult concerns. I like the character of her mother, who is loving, but possessed of steely determination to find safety for her family. This is a start to understanding the complicated post-war political landscape of eastern Europe. I was pleased to see a map, at the end, and notes from the author. The story is based on her mother’s real life escape from Czechoslovakia. This is a debut novel by a local author.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fictionalized story of the author's mother's escape from Czechoslovakia after WWII. Anna's father had been a diplomat during WWII and had actually been a spy for the Allies. The Communists had liberated Czechoslovakia from the Nazi's but they wielded their own power over the country and arrested anyone who did not agree with them. During this time it became too dangerous for Anna's family and they needed to escape the country without being caught. This book tells the tale of the journey made by car, train and finally by foot of Anna, her sister and mother. Anna's family was able to become reunited with her father in Germany and were able to live safely in France and rebuild their lives. This quick tale gives a glimpse of what was happening in Europe after the end of WWII. It was not a fairy tale ending after the war. It was a time of poverty, rebuilding, and learning whom to trust. I believe this would be a good addition to most juvenile fiction collections and recommend its purchase. It gives a historical window into a time that has not been greatly discussed in juvenile literature. It helps to fill out that time period after the war and what people were facing throughout Europe.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anna's father had to flee Czechoslovakia after the communist government took over after WWII. Life in Czechoslovakia is now a bit more precarious as neighbors are spying on neighbors and the government is watching everything. However, Anna's life seem idyllic as she lives on her family farm and enjoys time with her cousins. Then her family decides to flee to her father. Mom, sister and Anna make their way to the German border, joined by a young man who missed his group to escape. There are dangers but they make it to safety and after a bit they find the father.

This is based on the true story of Maria Kiely's mother, aunt and grandmother fleeing Czechoslovakia. It is based on stories told to her by her grandmother (Anna character). Because it is based on a true story it is not as exciting as fiction, mainly because there are no real close calls or evident danger. But not every escape was filled with danger around every corner so this is more realistic. I did wish their was more reason given for their sudden need to flee. It did seem a little out of the blue, but since the story is told from Anna's point of view it could be because she is not aware of the planning.

[Mich Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction and this book had me hooked from the get-go. This is categorized as a middle-grade book and the writing is 100% on point for that age group. That being said, as a full-grown adult reader, I stayed hooked all the way through the story which I owe to the flow of the writing and the really cool details that flesh out the characters and scenes. My favorite details include Anna carrying a pebble in her pocket as a reminder of home, Anna's mother using a copy of Wuthering Heights as a way of identifying herself with the people helping them to escape (and the line "...surrounded by people who smell of sweat, rain, and tobacco.", and all of Ch. 28, Butter. Because yes, as we can all probably relate to in these long-overdue times, people just want to be seen. The unfriendly-looking shopkeeper 'saw' Anna and realized this kid really just needs a pat of butter - which made Anna's day.
I would definitely recommend this book and if you have a middle grader (give or take a few years) that could read along with you, even better.

[Carly Kaplan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed this book. Though I am very judgemental so there are some points I would like to reflect upon: Firstly this book is great for a novice writer probably between the ages of 7-10. I did enjoy the book but it lacked any real build-up. In addition to that, the book didn't really give what it could have given. I definitely would have given it four stars if it was a little longer. But at the same time, many readers may enjoy a shorter book. Secondly, I felt that there could have been details in more places. When Anna (the narrator) reached the refugee camp, I wish there was a greater explanation of the camp and descriptions. A great book can stretch details to the most they can.
Other than that I think that this book was great. I just want to clarify, I got this book at the DOLLAR STORE, for a DOLLAR. I bought it with really low expectations and finished the book pleasantly surprised. For a quick read about a underappreciated country, Ckech, this is a great book to pick up.

[Katie Gilstrap · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful story, told from the perspective of the author's mother when she was just eleven years old, is a true-to-life look at the trials and tribulations that Czechoslovakian refugees faced while escaping the 1948 Communist takeover. Packed with mystery, adventure, and valiant acts of courage, this simultaneously gut-wrenching and heartwarming narrative kept me on the edge of my seat the entire way through! Not only was the recount of this incredible feat suspenseful, but it was inspiring as well. In spite of the dire circumstances surrounding Anna - the narrator - and her family, they all remained brave and thoughtful towards others throughout their journey. Kindness is a huge theme in this story, and it's one that I greatly appreciate, as it serves as a testament to the importance of love in the face of adversity. Not only is this a book that I will read again and again, but it's also one that I will gladly recommend to everyone I know!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna and her family are in 1948 Czechoslovakia. WWII ended three years ago, and though the country is now safe from the Germans, they now face a new enemy, the Russians. Having to be suspect and careful of whether or not people in their community are spies for the Russians or not has become a regular part of their daily lives. Anna's father is gone too since he had to escape the Communists because he had supported and worked for democracy. Now it's Anna and her mother and sister's turn to flee. Will they be able to make it safely out of Czechlosovokia before being caught by the Russians? Who can they trust along the difficult journey? Will they be able to find Papa?

This story is based on the author's mother's own childhood. The main character, Anna, is her mother and many of the facts and happenings of the book are true to her experience.

[Ayacchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely historical fiction written for younger audiences! I think it was the most easy to read HF I've ever read.

I love Anna and all the characters here. How I adore her mother who kept calm in a chaotic situation. Honza, a stranger who escaped with Anna's family.

In a world of war, where different ideologies were against each other, and you couldn't really trust anyone. But in other side, you could only trust strangers.I'm amazed, with this being based on true story, that there were many kind people that you could trust. That they weren't gonna trap you or had a hidden agenda. Salute for the American soldier. Mayfield?

If only there was a side story about Honza, it'd be a perfect enclosure.

Oh! And one of the reason why I do love this book is the narrator, Jennifer Jill Araya! I love her voice and her change of tunes! She made the story and the characters alive!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful untold story that is actually Kiely's family story as historical fiction that focuses on Czechoslovakian's history of escaping the grasp of communism's creeping invasion after Hitler's terror in Europe. It's a lovely middle grade unfolding of a tragic escape and trying to reunite a family.

Anna's father has disappeared and Anna, her sister, and mother are trying to escape and send a letter to reunite. In this, they battle through the backwoods and their decisions could be life and death. There's hope at a refugee camp and they meet some amazingly loyal and friendly people along the way with the mystery of whether the family can be reunited.

It moves along elegantly with a bit of a history lesson and family story.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is fitting that this tale is told in a traditional style, as it fits the historic scene that it is placed in. The "storm at sea" game Anna and Maruska play is a fairly unique one. It does well at portraying realistically what a child is aware of in a complicated situation fraught with danger as the family attempts the escape to Germany. It is a sad reminder of the destructive power of the police/surveillance state on a society. The escape itself unfolds nicely and the complications of the split-rule of Germany immediately after WWII add more narrative complexity. This was a fun book to read.

[Checkthebook · Rating 3 out of 5]

An "escape through the forest, over the border" story. The detailed writing is nice! Tastes, scents, and sounds seem real. The children love and respect their parents. One concern: the main character's older sister has a crush on the boy who is escaping with them. Some parents may be uncomfortable. But I feel that it is so oblique and innocent that it probably will go over many kids' heads. He is a real boy scout, literally!

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminds me of Sound of Music and Letters from Rifka. Well told from the perspective of an 11-year-old girl in post-WWII. It did feel a bit rushed which took away from the atmosphere and plot a bit. I would have liked to know what happened to some of the characters but it was not addressed. Still, I feel this is a good book for MG. It has an overall uneasy feeling that demonstrates the fear at the time but is done suitably for a younger audience.

[Jennybeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the author's family stories of escaping Czechoslovakia after WWII, when the communist regime took over. Main character is 12; writing is powerful and beautiful, and the feeling of loss as she leaves her beloved family farm and her cousins is acute. Not a time and place I was familiar with, really enjoyed the book. The writing is beautiful and evocative.

[David Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This middle-grade historical drama is both a gripping story of suspense and an evocative portrait of growing up amidst the kind of chaos and uncertainty that many of us are fortunate enough never to know. It also brings to life an incredibly important time and place in recent history that will greatly enrich a young reader's sense of history. Bravo!

[Sejla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book a lot. It’s based on a true story of the authors mother’s and grandmother’s escape from Czechoslovakia post WWII. Once again some scenes and storyline reminded me of my own childhood. It’s such an important story and I’m glad a lot of the young readers get to read this. Also, can we talk about this gorgeous cover? Perfect for this story!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually a very good book for being short and middle grade. I'd definitely recommend this to the younger generations so that they are taught about the hardships of post WW2 and how so many families fought and fled to have a better life and that a lot of them probably came from families like these and if it weren't for them, they wouldn't be here now. I liked this book a lot.

[Michael Looney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a girl's escape from the Russian Communists after World War II, based on a woman's true story. It is not like the normal scares of bombs and concentration camps we usually read in books, but to me was a more personal look into a child's life that resonates with what is happening today.