Book Description

An amusing young romance intersects with an underground freedom movement in a Soviet-style system that promised egalitarian utopia but devolved into a police state. Izzy, an attractive college senior, belongs to an underground freedom movement organizing against a repressive, yet poorly run, Marxist regime. She is challenged by the idea of recruiting Tom, an unlikely choice as a rising young star in the Party. But Izzy heard Tom may have hidden depths and could get inside information as an underground mole. He's also nice looking. Will their amusing and cautious interactions and gradual revelations develop into a deeper relationship of shared beliefs? Will increasing friction between the two marginally competent Party leaders finally provide an opportunity for the underground to take action? Will Tom be reunited with his capitalist parents whom he denounced as a child, and who are in a massive Gulag prison camp? The interwoven storylines are carefully paced. Appealing characters and background events develop with engaging and humorous dialogues and narratives, cultural and political satire, and serious commentary. Then events unfold with surprising twists and thriller scenes. Optional Book Club Questions Included. Clean romance, romantic comedy, political humor and satire, political intrigue and thriller, literary. Balance of key roles for women and men. An earlier edition was published as "Republic of Equality." The current edition has enhancements. PRAISE FOR UTOPIA CAFÉ: (prior edition before enhancements) "The characters are real ... descriptive prose and scenes are focused and vividly written; the political and historical points are compelling and manifold ... will resonate powerfully in the minds of contemporary readers." ROMUALD DZEMO, READERS' FAVORITE "You'll want to keep reading this book from chapter to chapter all the way through, and you'll enjoy the thought-provoking writing and humor along the way." CHRIS HOWSE, TURNING POINT USA "What is even more remarkable about this social commentary is how completely satisfyingly it explores a blooming romantic relationship ... brims with a non-intimidating intelligence ... quite an interesting storyteller." VINCENT DUBLADO, READERS' FAVORITE "Hejna's novel is adept at tackling touchy subjects like race relations head-on...An often blunt satirical tale that's genuinely edgy." KIRKUS REVIEWS "Readers will find themselves completely immersed in the book because of great story-building and characterization ... details are given in just the right amount at the right timing ... a good thoughtful read." RISAH SALAZAR, READERS' FAVORITE