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celtic67's review against another edition
5.0
This was not my usual type of read. Set in the 1950's it was the attempt of the USA to smuggle out Boris Pasternak's novel out of the USSR, print and smuggle back into the USSR.
It's a novel that is multi faceted. Telling of the cold war, the mistreatment of women and that both societies; the USSR and the so called west are at heart both dominated by men. Where women are there for men's pleasure and are supposed to do as they are told.
The story was a fascinating blend of fiction and possible fact. The writing was top quality and draws the reader in. My first read by this author and I look forward to more. I can see this being made into a film. It was refreshing to read a book with no references to modern technology; Eg. mobile phone or personal computers.
Thanks to lovereading for the ARC.
It's a novel that is multi faceted. Telling of the cold war, the mistreatment of women and that both societies; the USSR and the so called west are at heart both dominated by men. Where women are there for men's pleasure and are supposed to do as they are told.
The story was a fascinating blend of fiction and possible fact. The writing was top quality and draws the reader in. My first read by this author and I look forward to more. I can see this being made into a film. It was refreshing to read a book with no references to modern technology; Eg. mobile phone or personal computers.
Thanks to lovereading for the ARC.
sewjoy1's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Not a fan: too many storylines, too many characters (unnecessary to overall plot), couldn't relate to any of the characters, didn't really like any of the characters, thought the author of Dr. Zhivago was selfish and self-absorbed.
jansbookcorner's review against another edition
4.0
Some books just flow - this is one. A easy to read, interesting story. I knew that Doctor Zhivago had been banned in the Soviet Union, but I had no knowledge of the backstory to it all. A good historical fiction that will keep you engaged til the end.
cbooks95's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
tiasreads's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
spaces_and_solaces's review against another edition
3.0
Hello!! The rain dampened my plans to hang out in NYC with my fam, so I cracked open a bottle of wine & sat back to read ‘The Secrets We Kept’
Lucky for me it turned out to be an enthralling read!
The moment I saw this book I knew I had to have it.
The author has based this thrilling espionage story on the book ‘Doctor Zhivago’ and the role it played during the cold war.
Fact - Doctor Zhivago is a Russian novel written by the famous novelist/poet Boris Leonidovich Pasternak set between the Russian Revolution of 1905 & the Second World War.
We are introduced to this book as Boris is attempting to complete ‘Doctor Zhivago’ which he considers will be his masterpiece & containing anti soviet sentiments.
The author traces the life of Boris in the East and his muse / mistress Olga who features prominently both in this book & in Doctor Zhivago.
The West somehow gets wind of such a book & they immediately start planning to smuggle this book out of Russia & distribute it around the world for leverage.
Here we are introduced to Irina & Sally, two badass, independent women who work for the CIA as typists and are entrusted to smuggle the manuscript out of Russia!
I expected the book’s theme to be espionage centric but I was pleasantly surprised.
It had real moments and conversations on love, loyalty & freedom of opinion & thoughts!
The narrative is complex as the author switches frequently between different characters as well as jumps unpredictably from East to West. However, props to the debut novelist for tying it up perfectly at the end!
Lucky for me it turned out to be an enthralling read!
The moment I saw this book I knew I had to have it.
The author has based this thrilling espionage story on the book ‘Doctor Zhivago’ and the role it played during the cold war.
Fact - Doctor Zhivago is a Russian novel written by the famous novelist/poet Boris Leonidovich Pasternak set between the Russian Revolution of 1905 & the Second World War.
We are introduced to this book as Boris is attempting to complete ‘Doctor Zhivago’ which he considers will be his masterpiece & containing anti soviet sentiments.
The author traces the life of Boris in the East and his muse / mistress Olga who features prominently both in this book & in Doctor Zhivago.
The West somehow gets wind of such a book & they immediately start planning to smuggle this book out of Russia & distribute it around the world for leverage.
Here we are introduced to Irina & Sally, two badass, independent women who work for the CIA as typists and are entrusted to smuggle the manuscript out of Russia!
I expected the book’s theme to be espionage centric but I was pleasantly surprised.
It had real moments and conversations on love, loyalty & freedom of opinion & thoughts!
The narrative is complex as the author switches frequently between different characters as well as jumps unpredictably from East to West. However, props to the debut novelist for tying it up perfectly at the end!
esmemazzeo's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
delagoldwein's review against another edition
informative
reflective
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I wouldn’t call this “thrilling” as it is billed but it was interesting and a tale I didn’t know. The backstory of Dr zhivago was new to me. I did wish there had been an intersection between the CIA and the novelist but since it seemed fact based I understand.
hoovershawna03's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
suvata's review against another edition
5.0
#ReeseWitherspoon Book Club September 2019 pick
Based on true events and real people, this is the story of Typists turned CIA operatives during the Cold War with Russia. These brave women had one mission: “to smuggle Doctor Zhivago out of the USSR, where no one dare publish it, and help Pasternak’s magnum opus make its way into print around the world.” Pasternak’s own story is as intriguing and romantic as his fictional creation. I absolutely have to read Doctor Zhivago again after reading this! 5-stars
Based on true events and real people, this is the story of Typists turned CIA operatives during the Cold War with Russia. These brave women had one mission: “to smuggle Doctor Zhivago out of the USSR, where no one dare publish it, and help Pasternak’s magnum opus make its way into print around the world.” Pasternak’s own story is as intriguing and romantic as his fictional creation. I absolutely have to read Doctor Zhivago again after reading this! 5-stars