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cecilialau_'s review
4.5
Anya is our narrator in this very descriptive story taking place in Russia in the eighties. (And normally I can get “bored” by too many descriptors but I fully went with it in this book).
It is mostly a story about friendship between two girls who grow up together, and their love for each other is special and intense but in the way of exploring who they are and the curiosity that drives that desire.
I really enjoyed it and they were so authentic and real and sincere and discouraged and defeated and fierce and flawed and there was a sense of contentment while a strong desire to dream and hope for a different life - beyond the Iron Curtain.
There is an author’s note at the end of the book that lets the reader know how personal it is and how her own life inspired this piece of historical fiction.
The way Anya realises that Milka is not gaining weight despite a very healthy appetite due to her family life (lack of emotional support) is really profound and so important to point out, I think
It is mostly a story about friendship between two girls who grow up together, and their love for each other is special and intense but in the way of exploring who they are and the curiosity that drives that desire.
I really enjoyed it and they were so authentic and real and sincere and discouraged and defeated and fierce and flawed and there was a sense of contentment while a strong desire to dream and hope for a different life - beyond the Iron Curtain.
There is an author’s note at the end of the book that lets the reader know how personal it is and how her own life inspired this piece of historical fiction.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Rape, Vomit, Suicide attempt, Murder, Alcohol, Abandonment, Pedophilia, Violence, Blood, Death, Cursing, Pregnancy, Bullying, Sexual assault, Drug use, Abortion, and Grief
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