I loved this book. I loved the story. I loved the characters. Russia is such an interesting country, with such an interesting history. I have read books that were set during the Russian Revolution (Bolsheviks); I have read books specifically about Tsar Nicholas and his family; but I have never read anything about the 900-day siege of Leningrad. The Russians certainly understand "suffering"! It's always amazes me what people can live through. It's incredible that anyone associated with World War II survived, considering the cold, the starvation, the illnesses, the injuries. Talk about survival of the fittest.
I am a sucker for a great love story - and I really loved the relationship between Alexander and Tatiana. Tatiana is a determined, stubborn woman who knows her own mind - which is ironic because she lets her family walk all over her. She obviously has a great gift for loving others, no matter what. In the beginning I really didn't think there could be a plausible explanation why Alexander couldn't let Dimitri know about his feelings for Tatiana. I understood why Tatiana had to back off from Alexander because of the whole sister-thing. After Alexander told Tatiana who he really was, and what Dimitri had done for him, and realized how jealous Dimitri was of Alexander, I thought "They are never going to get rid of him!" Dimitri was so selfish and insecure and needy. And what a coward!! He just kept coming back and coming back and coming back. I didn't think he would ever die!
I was hoping Tatiana would leave Russia for Alexander - and I kept waiting for someone to suggest that! They spent so much time agonizing over how to survive in Russia - and how to save Tatiana from the Russians - and how to save Alexander from the Russians. I was thrilled when Dr. Sayers came along (and so unhappy about his early demise). What a relief when Tatiana FINALLY did something that Alexander asked her to! I don't believe for a minute that she believes he is dead. I'm just wondering what will happen next.... Will Alexander make it to America? Will Tatiana return to Russia?
I thought it was interesting that Alexander could not accept the way that Tatiana's family treated her (hitting her, yelling at her, blaming her), but Tatiana and her family acted like HE was the one out-of-line whenever he defended her. It was so "American" of him! I loved Alexander all the more for standing up for Tatiana in front of her family.
Great story! I hope the next two books in the trilogy are as good as this one.
Wendy's Rating: *****
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