Abigail

by Magda Szabó

The book is in part a celebration of the attitudes and behaviors that enabled people not just to endure such times but to rise above them with their spirits unbroken.

In passing over that threshold, Gina was entering her new world, the one that represented her new home, the one that would so totally transform her life: she was like a child being born, or a dying man exhaling his last breath.

Later, many months later, she came to understand that this laconic remark was indeed the simplest and in fact the only possible way the Deaconess, who lived so close to her God, could have said: “I truly pity you, my child. It will be difficult for you here, and in my own way I shall do all I can to help you get used to it. But I don’t count for very much in this place. Someone more powerful than I must find a way. But fear not: find it she will.”

So I shall tell you, but there will be a price. From this moment onwards, Gina, your childhood is over. You are now an adult, and you will never again live as other children do. I am going to place my life, and yours, and that of many other people, in your hands. What can you swear on that you will never betray us?”