Recommended by: Noelle
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Age 10+
Brief insights: Words on Fire is a historical fiction novel set in a lesser known part of history: the Russian occupation in Lithuania. It’s about 12-year-old Audra, who must deliver a mysterious package while navigating a dangerous network of book smugglers. Though the story is engaging and educational, the middle section feels slow and disjointed, and the ending is somewhat unrealistic, earning the book a 3.5/5 rating.
Words on Fire is set in 1893, during a time when Lithuania is occupied by Russia. In an attempt to force Lithuanians to adopt Russian language and culture, the Russian government has banned Lithuanian books, religion, and even their language. Audra, a 12-year-old girl raised in the countryside, begins to notice her parents’ strange behavior over the years. She slowly realizes they are hiding something from her. What she doesn’t know is that what they’re hiding could destroy everything she loves. In the span of one night, Audra’s world is torn apart by Cossacks (Russian soldiers), and she is forced to flee for her life. Alone and terrified, Audra has one mission: to deliver a mysterious package. Along her journey, she discovers a network of book smugglers. Who can she trust? Can joining them help her find her parents? And, most importantly, how much is she willing to sacrifice for a book? Find out in Words on Fire.
The novel starts strong with plenty of action and a mysterious atmosphere that draws you in and makes you want to learn more. It educates readers about a lesser-known part of history, one that I would not have known if not for this book. Reading about a young girl who is forced to flee her burning home, torn between saving her country or her parents, was eye-opening. The bravery of those who risked their lives to preserve their culture and history is truly inspiring.
I rated the story 3.5 out of 5 because, while the beginning and ending were engaging, I found the middle of the book slow and slightly disjointed. This lull in the story made the twists and turns feel less impactful than they should have been. I also found the ending somewhat unrealistic, which left me feeling unsatisfied.
Overall, I would recommend Words on Fire to fans of historical fiction and adventure stories, especially for readers aged 10 and up. The book offers a memorable glimpse into history with its rich cultural background and important message, though the middle section could have been stronger.
10+ because of infrequent violence and government oppression
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