I Must Betray You Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, Nicolae Ceauşescu (1918-1989) and our BookBrowse Review of I Must Betray You.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. "Their bodies were owned by the State" (page 40). In Chapter 10, Cici was visibly affected by the examination with the "baby police" at the factory. The subtext indicates that in Romania, the larger the population, the more prosperous the state. Would you agree that Cristian's mother—who only had two children—felt the pressure of this responsibility for her country? What does that say about women's roles during this time in Romania?
2. The radio is a prized possession in Cristian's household. Bunu even went to great lengths—such as selling cartons of Kents—to fix it. The information it relays isn't trustworthy, yet Romanians listen all the same. Why do you think that is? What does the radio symbolize to them? How does the media, in this context, serve the public?
3. There's a juxtaposition of characterization between Bunu and Cristian's mother. They both react distinctly to Romania's regime—the former being outspoken, the latter discreet. Their contrasting personalities could potentially face consequences for different reasons—but which is more dangerous? What does their personality reveal about them?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Philomel. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.