Goodbye to Budapest

Budapest, 1952. When Katalin and her father, Márton, are woken by the ringing of the doorbell in the dead of night, it can mean only one thing. The Secret Police have come to arrest him on charges of subversion. But Katalin knows her father is innocent.

Since the end of the war Hungary has been occupied by the conquering Soviets who have imposed Stalinist communism with an iron fist. Ordinary people live in fear of the dreaded Secret Police, the AVO, who employ torture and tyranny in the pursuit of the communist ideal. Suspicion and betrayal are rife.

But there is still hope. The death of Stalin is a spark that ignites a fuse. For the first time it seems that change is possible.

In October 1956, a student-led demonstration soon turns into a bloody battle to overthrow the hated communist regime. Confronted by Soviet tanks, young and old take to the streets, armed with Molotov cocktails, bravery and cunning.

Katalin and those she loves must fight for freedom. They must fight to survive.

Packed with authentic historical details, Goodbye to Budapest is a panoramic novel of courage, sacrifice and the indomitable human quest for freedom.