The Bear Makers

One family's story of survival in postwar Hungary, 1948. In Budapest after the war, when Kata’s family first returns from hiding, they are glad to be alive and hopeful that life will improve. But the secret police is questioning everyone about their loyalty to the Hungarian Workers Party, and conditions seem to be worsening. The eleven-year-old doesn’t understand why her brother Bela is acting so differently or why he hasn’t come home from his recent excursion. Her father used to own the factory, but now, as an employee, his wages continue to fall. She helps her mother sew the bears they will sell on the black market, but when Kata learns that Bela has escaped the country, she grows angry and sad. In time, she hopes that Bela will make it to America and will send for his family.

Bela lowers his voice so I can barely hear. “Last week the Secret Police called two of my classmates in for questioning.” ...
   My mother puts down her cup. “Okay, so they were questioned and released. Nothing happened.”
   “Next time they might not be so lucky. Mama, you don’t understand. We are being watched.”—FROM THE BOOK