The Painting by Alison Booth (RedDoor Books)

After the flight from Hungary, which was then (1989) still iron curtain country, Anika Molnar lives in Australia with her aunt Tabilla. All that she brought from home was a little suitcase and a beautiful painting, the family heritage. 

When she starts to inquire into the provenance and potential price of the painting, significant events happen with far-reaching consequences.

The novelist weaved a marvelous story about young woman and her quest for better life in the new continent, culture and language. For fresh start, she has to confront not only her past, but also the past of all her family. 

Anika's struggle is thoroughly described and the reader feels for her and family members who survived WW2 and communist regime. The painting is the symbol of everything that people went through, all emotions, from love to hate and above all trust and hope.

Enthralling read.

4/5