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emptzuu's review against another edition
The setting of the book is depicted with remarkable realism and attention to detail that immerses readers in the harsh realities of war. The palpable atmosphere, characterized by starvation and sickness, can be difficult to stomach at times, effectively conveying the horrors of the characters' circumstances. This grim backdrop serves primarily as a backdrop for the narrative's exploration of control and manipulation, rather than a conventional romance.
The initial encounter between Alexander and Tatiana, where he essentially stalks her, raises questions about the romanticism of their relationship. Throughout the narrative, Alexander's actions reveal a concerning pattern of control. During social gatherings, he imposes expectations on her, insisting she serves him tea and dictating her actions, with threats looming if she dares to defy him. His possessiveness reaches alarming levels as he becomes enraged when she shows attention to other boys.
The first sexual encounter between them, significant as Tatiana's first time, is fraught with dialogue where she expresses anxiety and hesitation, repeatedly asking him to stop. However, he disregards her requests, insisting and pressuring her further, showing insensitivity to her discomfort and boundaries.
What exacerbates the problematic nature of this scene is Alexander's fixation on Tatiana's youth and purity. He repeatedly questions her about her past experiences, displaying a disturbing obsession with her sexual history, which feels objectifying and uncomfortable, especially considering the age gap between them.
Alexander consistently undermines Tatiana's individuality and autonomy. He effectively erases her personhood, reducing her to a vessel for his desires and a servant to cater to his needs. And if this isn't enough, Alexander takes his egregious behavior to the next level. In a fit of rage, he physically intimidates Tatiana and asserts his entitlement over her body.
The initial encounter between Alexander and Tatiana, where he essentially stalks her, raises questions about the romanticism of their relationship. Throughout the narrative, Alexander's actions reveal a concerning pattern of control. During social gatherings, he imposes expectations on her, insisting she serves him tea and dictating her actions, with threats looming if she dares to defy him. His possessiveness reaches alarming levels as he becomes enraged when she shows attention to other boys.
The first sexual encounter between them, significant as Tatiana's first time, is fraught with dialogue where she expresses anxiety and hesitation, repeatedly asking him to stop. However, he disregards her requests, insisting and pressuring her further, showing insensitivity to her discomfort and boundaries.
What exacerbates the problematic nature of this scene is Alexander's fixation on Tatiana's youth and purity. He repeatedly questions her about her past experiences, displaying a disturbing obsession with her sexual history, which feels objectifying and uncomfortable, especially considering the age gap between them.
Alexander consistently undermines Tatiana's individuality and autonomy. He effectively erases her personhood, reducing her to a vessel for his desires and a servant to cater to his needs. And if this isn't enough, Alexander takes his egregious behavior to the next level. In a fit of rage, he physically intimidates Tatiana and asserts his entitlement over her body.
I married you so I could fuck you anytime I felt like it! . . . Anytime, Tania! What else do you think a soldier on furlough could possibly want? And if I hadn’t married you, all of Lazarevo would now be calling you my whore!
This culminates in an act of non-consensual penetration and while he eventually apologizes, the fact that he expects absolution after practically assaulting her is deeply unsettling. Tatiana's silence and lack of response speak volumes, and the reader is left feeling disgusted by his actions. It's no wonder that, at this point, one begins to wish for his demise in the war.
The book continues to depict unhealthy interactions between the husband and wife, normalizing and even promoting abuse and manipulation. The lack of condemnation for Alexander's actions and the constant apologies from the female lead for upsetting him further exacerbate the issue.
Overall, the book sells itself as a love story but portrays a dynamic where the female lead is only shown love when she behaves according to her husband's wishes, serving him and acquiescing to his desires without question.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Misogyny, Stalking, Rape, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and War
ifoundcallie's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Sexual content, War, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Blood, Child abuse, Genocide, Adult/minor relationship, Gore, Grief, Medical content, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Abandonment, Medical trauma, Police brutality, Sexual harassment, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, and Child death
Minor: Chronic illness, Classism, Torture, Abortion, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Deportation, Animal death, Antisemitism, Pedophilia, Rape, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Gaslighting, Medical trauma, Misogyny, Pandemic/Epidemic, Terminal illness, and Vomit
unsweetener's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book is very much a historical drama and romance mashup, and I was hooked on the audiobook. A healthy suspension of disbelief is necessary for both the historical setting and occasionally the characters' behavior, but what can I say? The author taps right into the main characters' feelings and their world.
The romance element is strong, but I wouldn't recommend it if you are looking for something with a HEA or if you are uncomfortable with sex scenes (you could safely skim a large portion though). It's also not the most progressive couple; their dynamic is fun to read, but not exactly aspirational. There are some messed up family dynamics as well, but the messiness of the characters is what makes the story work overall. Come for the angst, the improbable rescues, the genuinely gutting war setting, andthe potato/sex table and you won't be disappointed.
A note on the audiobook: I really enjoyed James Langton's narration. Alexander's accent was inexplicably Scottish-ish, but it's probably better than anAmerican-Russian pretend translated from Russian to English accent anyway ; it was pleasant and distinctive enough to do the job.
The romance element is strong, but I wouldn't recommend it if you are looking for something with a HEA or if you are uncomfortable with sex scenes (you could safely skim a large portion though). It's also not the most progressive couple; their dynamic is fun to read, but not exactly aspirational. There are some messed up family dynamics as well, but the messiness of the characters is what makes the story work overall. Come for the angst, the improbable rescues, the genuinely gutting war setting, and
A note on the audiobook: I really enjoyed James Langton's narration. Alexander's accent was inexplicably Scottish-ish, but it's probably better than an
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, and War
Minor: Child death and Domestic abuse
livlovread's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War, Rape, and Death
Moderate: Toxic relationship
shadowxj11's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, War, Blood, Death, and Death of parent
mariereads_97's review
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
shellieb's review
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is an epic love story plus so much more! There's a much depth, history, heartache and love! The writing is beautiful. This is the kind of book I'm forever searching for.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Sexual content, and Violence
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