Traitor: A Novel of World War II

by Amanda McCrina

Poland, 1944. After the Soviet liberation of Lwów from Germany, the city is a battleground, its loyalties torn between Poland and Ukraine. Tolya is half-Ukrainian, half-Polish, and he joined the Soviet Red Army just to stay alive. When he shoots his political officer in the street, he’s taken in by a squad of insurgent Ukrainians. Tolya doesn’t trust them and especially doesn’t trust Solovey, the squad’s young war-scarred leader. He doesn’t know just how well Solovey understands the cost of looking out for life over loyalty. Then a betrayal sends both on the run.

• ISBN10: 0374313520
• ISBN13: 9780374313524
• Publish Date: 1 September 2020
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 15 January 2024
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 368
• Language: English

Reviews

[shannonmiz]

You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight

Traitor is a compelling look at what was, to me, a lesser-known part of World War II. In Traitor, we follow two young men who find themselves ensnared in quite the dire battle. I will say before you go any further, this is a fairly brutal novel, which obviously makes sense given the subject matter. But it doesn't shy away from some really violent stuff, so keep that in mind. 

I will also say, that I don't know if I personally would have categorized this as a YA, simply because I can see this appealing to fans of historical novels (especially those set in and around WWII), and that I don't think that the typical YA parameters apply aside from the age range (and even that, loosely). So if you are a historical fan, this one is probably for you. In fact, I gave this book to my dad who is always on the lookout for WWII books, and is always very excited to connect to his familial Polish roots. 

Traitor tells us the story of Tolya and Solovey, both of whom are fairly reluctant participants in this battle. I found my heart breaking for these young men, and all of those who experienced life in this hellscape, frankly. They were so young, and thrust into a situation so desperate, it was hard to wrap my mind around. I don't want to say too much about the actual story, because it's very twisty (as you'd imagine by the title, who knows who, if anyone is trustworthy!), but it definitely highlights the trials the young men are facing. We also see quite a bit of the war and the effects of it, as it switches POVs, alternating between 1941 and 1944. So not only do we see how the situation developed, but we get to see the ramifications of the fighting, and the toll it took on the people too. 

I also learned a lot while reading this book! The author explains her research at the end (it's impressive, frankly), and who is based on real people, etc. I had no idea that things were so desperately bleak in Poland during WWII- obviously I knew it was no picnic, but this was eye opening, without a doubt. I absolutely encourage anyone who is interested in historical fiction to check this out. You'll feel deeply for the characters, and you'll likely find yourself immersed in learning about a whole new side of the war. 

Bottom Line: Another stunning example of why the US needs to do better when teaching history, I had my eyes open by this lovely novel exploring the atrocities that not only two young men, but an entire country faced while simultaneously being engaged in a world war.