While reading this book I was reminded of Ayn Rand’s novel “We the Living.” The prose is gorgeous. It unfolds like a slow burn and we fall in love with characters that have suffered great loss, yet are still full of love and compassion. Czila, the main character, is connected to the river and power of water in her beloved Budapest because it saved her life. This story has many opportunities for interpretation that is a great learning tool. The magical realism in this story is poetic, and while it tells of the revolution in Hungary in 1956, I think it is more about the persecution and on going anti-semitism that is pervasive in our world. A lovely book about freedom, loss, love, youth and so many other facets of life, and death. And fighting for what you believe in. .The LGTB element might satisfy many, but I found this aspect of the novel to be forced, perhaps to fit in with our times. Nonetheless, it is an imaginative and moving read.

This is an absolutely beautiful story! I love that it's about a time and situation I didn't know much about! Thank you for bringing this story to me! The writing is stunning. It's descriptive in a way that makes you forget your reading. I loved the story, and I would recommend this one to any historical fiction fans!

This was a beautiful historical fantasy. I loved the characters and the plot/story. I think readers of this genre are going to devour this book.

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This Rebel Heart was a very interesting read. From the very beginning, I was completely hooked with the characters and the overall story. In it, you will meet Csilla. She is a young Jewish woman living in Hungary during the revolution of 1956. Due to her parents' untimely death, they were executed by the government, she sets off on a unique path with the angel of death by her side.

Now I won't lie. There were some parts of this book that broke my heart and others that gave me joy. The characters and what they go through was definitely a page turner for me. I seriously enjoyed meeting each and every one of them. Then there's the journey that they went on and it was definitely emotional and magical. Even if I was confused as to why certain things did happen throughout it.

In the end, I definitely enjoyed the heck out of this. I feel like I learned something new and fell in love with the representation of the characters. The ending also made me an emotional mess but in a good way. I'll definitely be on the lookout for Katherine's next book!

I’ll be completely honest. I think the book itself is great. I think it’s written really well. The plot is also really interesting. if you like history, you’d love this book. But I didn’t have a really hard time trying to get into the book. I had a hard time understanding the river references. I overall I just didn’t love the book.

I was so looking forward to this book but I wasn’t able to get into it. The story was hard to follow and I was unable to make a connection to Csilla.

It’s an ok read. I liked the subject matter since Hungary 1956 isn’t a topic most authors want to or are willing to tackle. I just thought the narrative dragged on and my interest began to wane. Still, it’s a compelling read for the fact that Russian tyranny still exists today. Inherent evil didn’t die out after the Cold War was over.

I started this a few days ago and then Russia invaded Ukraine, so I thought I'd continue reading this historical fiction with a touch of magic in it from the post WWII era because who doesn't want more anger and frustration in their life?

This is a unique story that will have a niche readership for teens which seem to be the targeted audience. I'd put it in the vein of [author:Elizabeth Wein|52320] and [author:Julie Berry|1638953] whose historical fiction is a little more specialized. And then of course with the second point of view from an angel of death, it would be a readalike to [book:The Book Thief|19063]. Csilla's parents were murdered and then exonerated. There are secrets. There is trauma. There is also a way for Csilla to fight back and aid others, which she does with a secondary set of characters with GLBTQ fight for their right to exist, and then also in learning about the past from the diary/letters of her father which come back to her. And the messages and communication she has with the river.

I wasn't as intrigued as I would have liked, wanting something similar to the mysterious thread that wove through [book:Girl in the Blue Coat|40726583] or a deeper dive into the post-war trauma like [book:They Went Left|52701968] yet it stands on its own as a story set in Eastern Europe that doesn't get as much play time as other areas for young adult literature.

I appreciate the time and research that was put into This Rebel Heart, but for me, the pacing was a little off and the story as a whole, while it's a story that is new(ish) (post-WWII Europe, Jews living there (and trust me, my heritage is that if Hungarian Jews, so I was initially invested)) it felt more like a typical YA love story. All the ups and downs and shoulds and shouldn'ts. It wasn't bad, per se, but for this adult ELA teacher, it didn't hit the right notes. I would definitely encourage some of my more savvy readers to read this though. They would love it.

I was given an ARC by NetGallery and Random House Children’s for my honest review.

I almost skipped past requesting the ARC of this story, but I’m so so glad I gave it a chance. This Rebel Heart isn’t the kind of story I like to read, I think it’s a huge difference compared to what I normally do. Going in, I was really hesitant and wary, I didn’t know what to expect other than what was told in the blurb. I do admit there was a lot of parts where I was lost on what was happening, but it does get cleared up.

Katherine Locke wrote such a beautiful story. The way Locke used the aspects of the colors, or more lack of, was a nice touch. The growth all the characters go through is amazing, they all grew spectacularly, I couldn’t help but to fall in love with them more and more as the story progressed. I also loved the LGBTQ+ reputation, it felt so natural and wasn’t made a big deal, it was there, but not the main focus of the story.

I never really gave thought to what happened after the holocaust and this book definitely pulled it to my attention. What exactly was the aftermath of something like this that was so tragic? What about those who aided in those awful things and got away with it? Or even those who turned a blind eye as it was happening and the went on with their day to day lives because it didn’t affect them?

I definitely think this is a must read, even if it isn’t your usual read. Though make sure to read trigger warnings and that you’re in the right state of mind. There is a lot of heartbreaking scenes, but it is so worth following these characters regain what was lost to them. As I mentioned before, I’m glad I gave the book the chance it deserves. It isn’t lighthearted, but it is beautiful and thought provoking.

This Rebel Heart is a page turning historical fiction adventure that students will devour. Katherine Locke is a masterful story-teller. This would be a great book to adapt to your history or english class curriculum.

They did it again!

In the Hungarian Revolution, Katherine Locke sets the scene where trauma has leeched the city of Budapest of color, the Danube River whispers at night, and the angel of death stalks the quiet streets in search of souls. Csilla, our Jewish protagonist, has survived the Holocaust only to have her parents murdered by the government. When her escape plans fall apart, and other countries feel their rebellions, survival has never felt more difficult.

Another excellent historical novel by Locke! Unlike their previous books, The Balloonmakers, This Rebel Heart is drawn more in the ambiguity of the magical realism genre. However, it is just as immersive as their previous books. Details are carefully placed within the narration with mixed media – excerpts from journals, newspaper articles, etc. – showing readers what it's like in such a tense time. There is a definite echo, a Jewish memory that can be felt for many Jewish readers: This is the story of our survival, this is the story of how we died, keep the language of our grandparents quiet, know that your country will never fully accept you.

It was hard not to think back to family stories when I read this book. Between reading breaks, I opened up sites about Eastern Europe, Galicia and Romania and tried to trace the worn footsteps my great-grandparents had taken to reach America. It says much about the power of a book that causes you to feel restless.

Compliments all around! From the tender romances that felt profound even in the quiet moments to Csilla's growing strength, Locke's writing is like striking a match and seeing what's in the shadows around us.

NetGalley provided me with a copy. All opinions are my own.

This book was so much more than I expected going into it. I originally found This Rebel Heart on an upcoming LGBT+ titles list and it drew my intrigue as it was listed as polyamorous as well.
Csilla's character development is incredible, and I absolutely fell in love with Azriel and Tamas. The way they respond to the world and events around them is believable, and naturally done. Many characters in wartime settings come across as forced, "this is what should be done"/"this is what is expected" in other books while this one I think captured the varied responses amongst people beautifully.
The world being entirely monotone/black and grey definitely drives home the expectations people have of their city-bleak, controlled, and uniform. Mentions of color are rare, the people have forgotten them, and it ties in to a beautiful metaphor near the end.
Honestly, finding the words to describe this book is nearly impossible. Despair, hope, war, and revolution are all perfectly written to balance each other out-everything is morally grey. Both sides of everything is explored. It is just incredible.

This book was a delight! Set during the events of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, and including fantasy elements and a strong female Jewish protagonist.

Historical Fiction. Csilla struggles to maintain a "normal" life in Budapest (after WWII). But she is still coming to terms with her parents' deaths and the treatment they received as citizens and her father received as a government agent. She is followed often and worries she may "disappear" because of who she is and who her father was. Her planned escape may be the only option she has as having a future. Interesting and suspenseful.

Compelling, devastating, and magical, with a lyrical writing style that hooks you by the ribs and pulls you in as Locke explores the ideas of change and revolution, truth and lies.

A wrenching and beautifully written historical YA. This novel is set during the too often forgotten brief 1956 Hungarian rebellion against Russian occupation. Infused with magic, rooted in Judaism, this dual POV story presents compelling, complicated characters that must grapple with both personal, national, and global histories. The past and present intertwine, paving the way for the future in this stunning tale that speaks so much to present day.

This book was hard for me and it's a young-adult story. I enjoyed learning about the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, when the Hungarians revolted against the Soviet Communists in power. The revolution failed but it was also successful in showing how the people could stand up to those in power. A story of protests, courage and hope. As the author states, "Showing up matters, and believing in the future is vital - and hope is a powerful weapon."

The whole river thing was strange though! The Danube plays a big role. It runs through Budapest (the old cities of Buda and Pest), the setting for this book. Here the river was magic, it whispered, it turned to stone, it turned silver - what?? I just didn't understand what the author was trying to explain. I was able to read the first 80% of the book but after that I just skimmed. The golem and the angel of death were just too fantasical for me.

I was gifted this advance copy by NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Katherine has yet again captured my heart with yet another historical fiction book!!! ABSOLUTELY wonderful book, grabs your attention and keeps you wanting more.

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<p>“You are a Jew first, an American second.” “Be grateful for this country but you will never be safe here.” “Don’t stand up and make waves, support whoever is in power, be sure they do not notice you.” “Revolution is bad for Jews, no matter which side you are on, they’ll ultimately blame you.”</p>
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<p>This is the stuff of my orthodox Jewish childhood in the diaspora, especially following the Shoah. As the child of displaced people and the grandchild of survivors my bed time stories featured villains that were all too real and my dreams were to survive and be safe. Because safe was the best I could hope for and survival was my duty to our people.</p>
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<p>I still remember the kid in school who said they wanted to be The President when they grew up. They were affectionately patted on the head by a teacher and told to choose something else. Because to be president was to be noticed and to be noticed was to be unsafe. A Jew calling that level of attention to themself would result in antisemitism and persecution. Better to be an accountant. </p>
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<p>Keep you head down. Stay safe.</p>
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<p>This is also the prevailing wisdom in 1956 Hungary, the setting of Katherine Locke’s powerful historical fantasy “<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://bookshop.org/a/80169/9780593381243" target="_blank">This Rebel Heart</a>”. When the story begins Csilla Tisza is preparing to flee Hungary, a country that first abandoned her family to the Shoah and then murdered her parents for being “Zionists” despite her fathers loyalty to the communist party. Csilla does not have time for idealisism and political movements the way her father did. She’s too busy “keeping careful the way she used to keep Shabbat". Because in her reality “disappeared” is a verb that the government perpetuates on its citizens for no apparent reason. In her world, living to see tomorrow saps all of her energy. energy. As her aunt puts it, “survival is a siege”. </p>
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<p>When unrest in Poland sparks protest in Budapest, Csilla has no intentions of being swept up in the hysteria. She intends to leave. To survive. Until she meets an unassuming engineering student who demands more of her and an angel of death that reminds her that she, and her past, are so much more than her present. </p>
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<p>Csilla takes to the streets in the face of unacceptable tyranny, much like our youth of today have done. She knows that she is unlikely to succeed. She sees the antisemitism and hatred for Jews spreading within fringes of the very movement she helped to form, and she still stands her ground and protests. Cries out for a country to be lawful and just even though it has never demonstrated an ability to do so in the past. She shows up for a country that has never shown up for her. Because, to paraphrase our sages, if she doesn’t show up, who will? If she is only for herself, then what is she? If not now, when?</p>
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<p>These are the questions that Jews across the world have been asking over and over these last few years. These are the questions that have sparked intense debate in my family and community. The older generation, their scars still bleeding from watching other idealistic movements ignore the antisemitism in their midst -sometimes even using political upheaval as an excuse to purge themselves of Jews- advised waiting it out. But our youth insisted on standing up. I was proud to stand with them. Waiting in a five hour long line to vote with my heart, in direct opposition of the wishes of many of my elders.</p>
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<p>Because if kids can’t dream of being president one day because their election would somehow trigger a mass persecution of their people, then what really is the point? Because we are Americans AND Jews and one of those things should not have to take precedence over the other. Because there will never be a country that is “ours” but that does not mean our traditions are less important, our roots less firm, our duty to do what is right less sacred. </p>
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<p>To be a Jew is to belong to nowhere and everywhere all at once. To be a Jew is to do what your heart knows is right, even if you have a “rebel heart” like Csilla. </p>
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<p>Along the way, Csilla, her student, and her angel, somehow manage to walk arm in arm through the streets of Budapest and share the most romantic vibes despite the fact that their world is crumbling around them. Another thing they share in our common with the youth of today. The world may feel like it is ending, like every new day brings a new challenge and threat to our existence, and yet human acts of kindness and love still prevail.  </p>
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<p>I know it’s “historical fiction,” but this is a story for our time. Or maybe it is a story out of time. Belonging to every instance in which a person decides to stand up for what they know is right in the face of overwhelming odds stacked against them, despite the sad fact that often Jews are made to suffer disproportionately for their protests, even when our side “wins”. Because there’s a little Rebel heart in each of us, if only we learned to listen. </p>
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