Thank you Harper Perennial for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Romania in the 1970's lives under the thumb of a brutal Communist leader. The Cold War rages, and Alina simply wants to live the best life she can. Yet, she doesn't have a very good relationship with either her mother or her husband, and her brother-in-law just left the country, never to return. After his defection, the authorities from the government have been stopping by, asking questions and trying to coerce confessions out of Alina and her family. Their acquaintances now shun them also. Can Alina escape this suffocating oppression, or is she doomed to a life of surveilled, robotic, joyless ennui?⁣
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I really liked the elements of Romanian folklore and the occasional inclusion of magic within Alina's story. Living under an oppressive regime can crush even the hardiest souls, and for times like that, I think magic may feel absolutely necessary for those subjected to such strong restrictions on their liberty. While this book is relatively short, it also covers a lot of ground, following Alina for over two decades as she deals with her life's ups and downs. If you're looking for something a bit different from your usual fare, one that blends history, oppression, hope, and a sprinkle of magic, Bottled Goods might be your kind of contraband. Just don't let -them- see you with it, because they're always watching...⁣

4.5 ⭐/5