In 1941, more than 9 000 Jews were taken from the Kaunas ghetto in one day and taken to the Ninth Fort. Nothing was clear – only whispered words, fear… and a fragile thread of hope.

“The Ninth Fort is a deeply human historical novel that interweaves real events with fictional voices to shed light on one of the darkest chapters of World War II. Told through the eyes of men, women and children – those caught up in the maelstrom of war. The book reveals not only the brutality of the Nazi occupation and local collaboration, but also the silent resistance, the moral self-reliance and the stubborn dignity that survived in the face of horror. It is a story of impossible choices, hidden courage and the will to survive when all light seems to be extinguished.

Based on extensive historical research, The Ninth Fort is not only a novel of memory, but also a warning and a prayer. Because memory must not die. Neither should the truth.

The book will be presented in English with translation into Lithuanian.

Roberto Valdés is a Mexican filmmaker, director and screenwriter with more than 20 years of experience in the advertising world. He holds a degree in Communications from Mexico City and an MFA in Filmmaking from the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles (USA). He made his directorial debut in 2006, directing Carlos Santana’s concert in Mexico City. His short film Algien (2014) received international acclaim and won 11 awards. In 2015, he directed the mass scenes in the James Bond film Spectre, shot in Mexico City.

Now living in Lithuania, he directs short films and music videos and teaches filmmaking and storytelling at Kaunas College. Roberto Valdés has written four books, most recently the novel The 9th Fort.