Vivie's Secret - by Terry Lee Caruthers (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

"An engaging read, particularly for cat lovers, and a promising debut." -Kirkus Reviews

Twelve-year-old Vivie and her family flee for their lives during the 1956 Soviet invasion of Hungary. Despite the trials and travails of life on the run--starvation, trauma, fear--Vivie remains haunted by the fate of her beloved feline, Norsk, whom she was forced to leave behind. She develops a lifelong affinity for the strays and ferals she encounters during their escape, seeing both her current situation and Norsk's reflected in their existence on the street--skinny, scared, and without a real home. During this arduous journey, Vivie is cautioned to safeguard her true identity because of those who wish to do her harm. Bound for the United States, Poppa entrusts her with a butcher-paper-wrapped packet containing this family secret. It is a secret that must be protected at all costs. A secret Vivie guards for the remainder of her life.

Review Quotes

2024 Book Fest Awards 1st Place - YA Historical Fiction

2024 Book Fest Awards 2nd Place - YA Literary & Coming of Age

2024 Book Fest Awards 3rd Place - YA Girls & Women

2024 CBI American Writing Awards Finalist - Young Adult

2022 Story Monsters' Royal Dragonfly Awards Honorable Mention - Young Adult Fiction

2022 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards Finalist - Young Adult Fiction

2022 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards Finalist - Historical Fiction

2022 Eric Hoffer Awards Finalist

2021 American Fiction Awards Finalist - Coming of Age

Feathered Quill's Book Award Finalist

"An engaging read, particularly for cat lovers, and a promising debut." -Kirkus Reviews

"A novel that calls out immense emotions, delivers an intense history and touches the corners of mystery and love. A must read for every eager beaver and cat lover out there!" -Sociology Group

"The author (Terry Lee Caruthers) manages to express the depths of the main character's feelings beyond the plot's events, and readers will appreciate this honesty." -US Review of Books

"With a rich and realistic setting, a compelling cast of memorable characters, and expert storytelling, this is a surefire winner." -BookView Review

"Imaginatively crafted and gripping... Immensely satisfying historical tale." -The Prairies Book Review

"A girl survives a life-threatening journey that will engender her lifelong wish to protect the helpless, in this dynamic, highly credible novel by Terry Lee Caruthers." -Feathered Quill

"The story of a powerful woman with a passion for cats who overcame the worst of what the world has to offer and provided something kind and nurturing in return." -Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"A thrilling, inspirational coming-of-age story that will appeal to young readers and adults alike; cat lovers will be especially moved." -IndieReader

"The author shapes a well-written and poignant story where moments of conflict and tension are balanced by the warmth of Vivie's connection with the feral cats she rescues." -Sublime Book Review

"...an inspirational and informative story of those who flee the horror of war in search of freedom." -Authors Reading

"Terry Lee Caruthers's first novel is a delight." -Francine Fuqua, author of In Pursuit of Abraham

"An important story that brings history to life." -Rhonda Rucker, author of Welcome to Bombingham

"Woven throughout this gripping novel is Vivie's concern for her abandoned cat, Norsk, and the felines-both tame and feral-she attempts to care for throughout her journey." -Kara Disbrow, president of Feral Feline Friends