by Amelia Kyazze (Author)

October 1956: Budapest is on the brink of a revolution

Szebastián - Zeb - sees his childhood friend Rebekah dancing in the student protests. Together they join the resistance, headquartered at the Cinema on Jósef Boulevard.

When a ceasefire is announced, the city rises in celebration. For a few fragile days, hope feels unstoppable. Then the tanks return.

By winter's end, Zeb is alone in London's East End, and Rebekah is in exile. He is a refugee working in a tailor's sweatshop. It can be a harsh place for outsiders, but he strikes up an unlikely friendship with Nigerian doctor Adebayo and his French wife Bella. They show Zeb a different side of a city still shaped by war and corruption.

Cinemas are his refuge, even as events start to spin out of control. In the struggle to know who to trust, Zeb has to make a choice. If he wants to reach Rebekah, he must risk everything.

A story about the kindness of strangers and the nostalgic power of cinema

This heartwarming story is perfect for fans of Clare Pooley, Freya Sampson and Louise Hare.

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