Scan barcode
debbiecuddy's review against another edition
5.0
Before reading The Patriots, I was only vaguely aware that many young and idealistic Americans moved to the Soviet Union during the 1930s and later, when things got bad under Stalin, were unable to return. This book tells the story of Florence and follows her through decades in the Soviet Union and also looks at how her life choices affected both her son and grandson.
I was deeply moved by this book and had to remind myself that it was fiction.
I was deeply moved by this book and had to remind myself that it was fiction.
brynpemery's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. While there are lots of things I enjoyed (archival searches, multi-generational storylines, etc) I felt like this dragged too long and I didn’t find myself caring about any of the characters. Part of that could be that audio isn’t the best format for this book, but I still think it could have been cut by a hundred pages or so and been better off.
kurwaczytaj's review against another edition
5.0
Kniha vyšla i v češtině pod názvem Patrioti v nakladatelství Bourdon ale já ji poslouchal v rámci předplatného EmpikGo jako audioknihu. Jde o další rozsáhlou rodinnou ságu trošku podobný Osmému životu. Jen bez těch kousků fantastického realismu a odehrává se v bolševickém Rusku a něco málo v USA. Hlavní hrdinkou knihy je totiž mladá židovská slečna z Brooklynu, která se v době velké hospodářské krize rozhodne odejít do Ruska, kde se nedávno ujali moci bolševici.
— Ze začátku si najde celkem slušné místo a kupodivu do jejího života drsný ruský život moc nezasahuje. To se ale po nějakém čase změní, když její šéf upadne v nemilost vrchnosti. Pak rudý mlýnek na maso do jejího života vstoupí ještě jednou a hlavní hrdinka jen o vlásek unikne šedé smrti v koncentráku někde na Sibiři.
— Kromě historické linky s hlavní hrdinkou je v knize ještě linka jejího syna, která se odehrává jak v minulosti, tak v putinovském Rusku. V té téměř současné lince vystupuje i její vnuk a odehrává se už po její smrti. Na konci osmdesátých let se totiž podařilo hlavní hrdince i s rodinou jejího syna emigrovat zpět do USA.
— Kniha se čte velice dobře a atmosféra strachu a podezřívavosti, která je všudypřítomná ve všech diktátorských režimech. Drsné jsou jak pasáže z výslechů, tak líčení poměrů v gulagu nebo v sirotčinci, kam se dostane syn hlavní hrdinky, poté co je odvlečena do gulagu. Hodně dobře je popsané i to, jak se lidem chtě nechtě dostává všudypřítomná propaganda pod kůži.
Pokud se zajímáte o minulost nebo současnost Ruska. mohu tuto knihu určitě doporučit.
— Ze začátku si najde celkem slušné místo a kupodivu do jejího života drsný ruský život moc nezasahuje. To se ale po nějakém čase změní, když její šéf upadne v nemilost vrchnosti. Pak rudý mlýnek na maso do jejího života vstoupí ještě jednou a hlavní hrdinka jen o vlásek unikne šedé smrti v koncentráku někde na Sibiři.
— Kromě historické linky s hlavní hrdinkou je v knize ještě linka jejího syna, která se odehrává jak v minulosti, tak v putinovském Rusku. V té téměř současné lince vystupuje i její vnuk a odehrává se už po její smrti. Na konci osmdesátých let se totiž podařilo hlavní hrdince i s rodinou jejího syna emigrovat zpět do USA.
— Kniha se čte velice dobře a atmosféra strachu a podezřívavosti, která je všudypřítomná ve všech diktátorských režimech. Drsné jsou jak pasáže z výslechů, tak líčení poměrů v gulagu nebo v sirotčinci, kam se dostane syn hlavní hrdinky, poté co je odvlečena do gulagu. Hodně dobře je popsané i to, jak se lidem chtě nechtě dostává všudypřítomná propaganda pod kůži.
Pokud se zajímáte o minulost nebo současnost Ruska. mohu tuto knihu určitě doporučit.
aprater's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book on a recommendation from a friend and it was worth every page. Hooked from the first page, this book made me want to learn more about ex-pats and the emigration of people away from the United States. It's not often that we read about that happening so it was refreshing to see a new perspective and from a humanistic storyline. I appreciate the author's use of character and events to portray then and now the travesty of war be it active or cold.
circesbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I would like to thank Penguin's First to Read program for sending me an advanced copy of this novel. My full thoughts and review are up on my blog at http://www.circesbooks.wordpress.com
hillarya's review against another edition
2.0
I received a copy from NetGalley. I had a rough time getting through this book. I would start to enjoy the story from Florence's point of view when it would switch to her grandson. I had no sympathy for this spoiled idiot. It totally ruined the book for me. Russian history is something I've always had a hard time understanding and even while reading this historical fiction I was still confused. Maybe because it was just utter chaos. I don't know, but I did not enjoy this depiction. I said it was "OK" because it did have it's moments especially at the end. I definitely would not set down what you are reading to snatch this one up.
stacyslap's review against another edition
4.0
This is definitely a sweeping novel. It was almost too sweeping as it contained an overload of experience crammed into one book. I would have preferred the story to just be about the mother’s experience from leaving the USA for Russia and forward to 2008 instead of the back and forth in time and the chapter focus from the mother’s story to the present day son’s story. That is just personal preference as it would have been easier to retain the information and not need to switch perspective so often. It got tedious at times.
hobbes4626's review against another edition
5.0
I want to thank First To Read for an advanced copy of Sana Krasikov for an advanced copy of The Patriots A Novel. This is honestly the first Russian historical fiction book I have ever read. I usually tend to stick to English, Scottish and American historical fiction. It is with a saddened heart that I have to add that with the holidays and all the hussle and bustle I have about 50-75 more pages to read! I am pleading with First to Read to extend my loan! If that is not possible, I will definitely be sitting in Barnes and Noble with a nice cup of Vanilla Chi to finish up this book! When I finally had some "me" time sat down to finish up this novel, the dreaded pop up said my loan had expired. :( However, this book will not go unfinished.
This has to be one of the most well researched, well written, well developed story line, plot and characters I have ever read! I have forgotten all about Russian history from my school age years so of course I researched many of the events that unfolded within the story. Not only did I fall in love with all of the characters in the story, but I felt as if I were right there next to them.
The story starts in the 1930's when Florence leaves Brooklyn to go to her ancestral home of Russia in hopes of better employment, love, independence and all those things we imagine must be better on the other side. Through actions, acquaintances, decisions she finds herself unable to leave Russia. The story weaves her son who needs to visit Moscow for his job in the Oil business and his journey is very different from his mothers. With this visit to Moscow, Julian has the opportunity to open his mother's files and learn about her life she was always so hesitant to speak about with him. Then there is Lenny, Florence's grandson, who in so many way is just like his grandmother. Lenny who lives in Russia, trying to make his fortune in the New Russia! Julian has plans of his own, wanting his son to return to America with him.
I found this book hard to put down, hard not to research in further detail the time periods and leaders involved in this story. I truly loved the characters and how the decisions and actions of Florence, affected not only her son, but also her grandson. I look forward to reading the last few pages! I do hope I am granted access for an extension. This is definitely a book that calls to you to read one more chapter, into the early morning!
I give this book a definite 5 ***** Stars. Highly recommend reading it if you enjoy historical fiction and if you enjoy learning! I look forward to reading more from this talented author as well!
This has to be one of the most well researched, well written, well developed story line, plot and characters I have ever read! I have forgotten all about Russian history from my school age years so of course I researched many of the events that unfolded within the story. Not only did I fall in love with all of the characters in the story, but I felt as if I were right there next to them.
The story starts in the 1930's when Florence leaves Brooklyn to go to her ancestral home of Russia in hopes of better employment, love, independence and all those things we imagine must be better on the other side. Through actions, acquaintances, decisions she finds herself unable to leave Russia. The story weaves her son who needs to visit Moscow for his job in the Oil business and his journey is very different from his mothers. With this visit to Moscow, Julian has the opportunity to open his mother's files and learn about her life she was always so hesitant to speak about with him. Then there is Lenny, Florence's grandson, who in so many way is just like his grandmother. Lenny who lives in Russia, trying to make his fortune in the New Russia! Julian has plans of his own, wanting his son to return to America with him.
I found this book hard to put down, hard not to research in further detail the time periods and leaders involved in this story. I truly loved the characters and how the decisions and actions of Florence, affected not only her son, but also her grandson. I look forward to reading the last few pages! I do hope I am granted access for an extension. This is definitely a book that calls to you to read one more chapter, into the early morning!
I give this book a definite 5 ***** Stars. Highly recommend reading it if you enjoy historical fiction and if you enjoy learning! I look forward to reading more from this talented author as well!
ageekyreader's review against another edition
3.0
I normally don't feel so conflicted on a rating. On the one hand, I really enjoyed the writing and the way the story was told. On the other, I've only read a few other characters who have been as infuriating as Florence.
I understand she was incredibly naive at the beginning of the book, and I also see how she convoluted herself into staying in Russia. But it was painful to see her selfishness ruin a lot of people's lives, including her own. Sometimes she had common sense and then other times she didn't, so it was just really hard to see the oscillation between a person who can see clearly and a person who still has the propaganda colored glasses.
I understand she was incredibly naive at the beginning of the book, and I also see how she convoluted herself into staying in Russia. But it was painful to see her selfishness ruin a lot of people's lives, including her own. Sometimes she had common sense and then other times she didn't, so it was just really hard to see the oscillation between a person who can see clearly and a person who still has the propaganda colored glasses.