This is very young YA and not done particularly well. Some parts felt too vague while others gave too much unnecessary detail. Something about the dialogue felt stilted and anachronistic as well. I do like the setting as we don’t read much about Yugoslavia in historical fiction at this time. It was also surprisingly very Catholic, which is fine but I wasn’t expecting that.

Set in the challenging backdrop of 1950s rural Slovenia, “Anja, Against the Odds” follows the life of a young woman named Anja. She is portrayed as brilliant and talented but finds herself ensnared in the oppressive environment created by a corrupt government. The narrative explores her struggles and resilience as she faces numerous adversities.

The story begins with Anja’s family facing dire circumstances due to her father’s imprisonment for political resistance. This event sets off a chain reaction that threatens their family farm with nationalization, pushing Anja into a precarious situation where survival becomes paramount. Her determination to save her family’s legacy drives her into a dangerous game of survival against formidable odds.

As Anja navigates through betrayal and hardship, she must confront not only external threats from the totalitarian regime but also internal conflicts within her family and community. The narrative highlights her courage and resourcefulness as she seeks to protect what is dear to her amidst overwhelming challenges

This was a good, powerful book! I loved the way our main character was a fighter, and she was trying to save her family's farm and land. It was a bit unrealistic at times, so that made the book a little bit less enjoyable. It was well written and entertaining either way!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review!!