BOOK BY: Katherine Reay
What a fascinating story!
This dual time story takes readers on an educational ride through Vienna, 1954 and US/Soviet Union 1980. It’s an intense story, filled with details about the Cold War that helps readers understand what went on during those times.
Ingrid lives with her parents in Vienna. Her life isn’t terrible, but she senses her parents are keeping secrets from her. What she discovers sets her on an unexpected course and will change her life completely.
Anya’s time in America is drawing to a close, finishing her degree at Georgetown as an exchange student from Russia. Having tasted another life outside the Iron Curtain, Anya is faced with questions that one cannot answer. And when she returns to Russia, she’s faced with life-altering decisions.
The connection between these two characters isn’t obvious at first, which makes the story that much more interesting.
Descriptions are fascinating, immersing the reader into historical Vienna and Moscow. Readers can easily connect to the individual characters, though I found Anya’s immaturity to be frustrating at times. However, there wasn’t anything in this story that didn’t make sense, and Anya’s immaturity would play a pivotal role in the entire novel.
It’s a heavy read, but really fascinating. For readers who want to know more about the Cold War, this is an ideal read. For those who love a great dual time story with the connection not easily guessed, pick up this book!
I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.