Shadow of a Hero

About the Book

‘It mustn’t happen,’ whispered Letta. ‘Nothing’s worth that much, nothing . . .’

Letta, born and brought up in London, knows little of Varina – the tiny Balkan state where her parents both grew up. She learns the language and loves the old folk-tales, but she’s British – not Varinian. Or is she?

For as Eastern Europe plunges into chaos following the collapse of communism, Letta’s grandfather – who bears the same name as Varina’s legendary hero – becomes a figurehead for calls of independence for the tiny nation. Filled with enthusiasm, Letta joins a group travelling to Varina for a ‘culture festival’ – only to be met by soldiers with guns. Suddenly the whole bitter, deceitful history is as real as yesterday and Letta realises with horror how fragile they are as a nation – how easily broken by the shadows of the past . . .