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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
I won this debut novel in a Giveaway. Cold War Russia is not my typical choice for historical fiction books but I did enjoy the background and learned a few tidbits on Russian cultural politics around the ballet. However, I lost interest in what happened to any of the characters about halfway through which detracted from my full enjoyment of the novel. Solid 3 star read.
challenging
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, Blood
Minor: Drug use, Eating disorder, Miscarriage, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Abortion
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Told in third-person narration, this novel still allows readers to deeply connect with orphaned twin sisters Maya and Natasha. Raised in their late mother’s dance company by her best friend, the girls spend their teenage years immersed in the rigorous world of Soviet ballet, competing for the same coveted spot in a prestigious company.
Themes of first love, discipline, indoctrination, rebellion, and sacrifice shape their journey. One sister is independent and rebellious, seen as more beautiful and capable, while the other is more reserved. When Russia enforces a rule preventing two family members from leaving the country at the same time—to deter defection—the sisters must face an impossible choice.
This is a story of sisterly love, independence, and the weight of decisions that impact more than just oneself. I’m always struck by how artists and athletes endure immense pain for their craft, and this book highlights that devotion—how these girls love ballet so much they willingly accept lifelong injuries for it.
While the novel was a bit dense and longer than I prefer, I appreciated its quiet, steady pacing and character-driven storytelling. Also, the cover? Absolutely stunning.
Thank you to Mariner Books for the advance reader copy!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Abortion, Death of parent, Pregnancy
Minor: Chronic illness
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Thank you to Mariner Press for this ARC I received through my book club! As a former dancer, this one really hit home for me. It was full of nostalgia for my years destroying my feet in pointe shoes and living in leotards. And there are lots of fun little easter eggs for those of us who speak the language.
Maya & Natasha follows orphaned twin sisters in Soviet Russia who grew up at the Vaganova Ballet school. It's a sweeping novel that tells the story of the all consuming nature of being an artist, betrayal, learning what it means to get what you thought you desired, and discovering what love truly means.
I loved how detailed Elyse Durham was when it came to the balletic terms and descriptions. She really did her research here and it showed. I felt like I was at the barre with the students or on the stage. There is a specific hunger that coming of age dancers have, and Elyse writes so viscerally about that experience. I could feel the desperation and naiveté of the characters at 17 - when you think you know everything and are invincible.
And as all dancers do, they grow up. Getting everything you want and living your dreams isn't always what you think it will be like. Elyse ripped out my heart many times during the story, knitted it together, and ripped it out again. Having this story set against the backdrop of the Soviet Union gave this another level of depth that makes it not just a story about ballerinas.
My main criticism of the book was the writing tense. I would have loved more insight into how the sisters were feeling throughout. I felt like I was a bird flying over everyone at times by getting everyone's passing thoughts as opposed to being inside the brain of our main characters.
Overall, I really enjoyed Maya & Natasha. If you like historical fiction, stories about the arts, family drama, sisterhood, and stories that span many years then you should absolutely read this book!
Maya & Natasha follows orphaned twin sisters in Soviet Russia who grew up at the Vaganova Ballet school. It's a sweeping novel that tells the story of the all consuming nature of being an artist, betrayal, learning what it means to get what you thought you desired, and discovering what love truly means.
I loved how detailed Elyse Durham was when it came to the balletic terms and descriptions. She really did her research here and it showed. I felt like I was at the barre with the students or on the stage. There is a specific hunger that coming of age dancers have, and Elyse writes so viscerally about that experience. I could feel the desperation and naiveté of the characters at 17 - when you think you know everything and are invincible.
And as all dancers do, they grow up. Getting everything you want and living your dreams isn't always what you think it will be like. Elyse ripped out my heart many times during the story, knitted it together, and ripped it out again. Having this story set against the backdrop of the Soviet Union gave this another level of depth that makes it not just a story about ballerinas.
My main criticism of the book was the writing tense. I would have loved more insight into how the sisters were feeling throughout. I felt like I was a bird flying over everyone at times by getting everyone's passing thoughts as opposed to being inside the brain of our main characters.
Overall, I really enjoyed Maya & Natasha. If you like historical fiction, stories about the arts, family drama, sisterhood, and stories that span many years then you should absolutely read this book!
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Thank you NetGalley and Mariner Books for the digital ARC.
Rounding up the book to 3.5⭐️
This book was hard for me to get into. I did like the historical aspect of it. The family dynamics were slow at first and then built into the plot. I enjoyed the reconnections of the FMCs as rocky as their relationship was in the book.
Rounding up the book to 3.5⭐️
This book was hard for me to get into. I did like the historical aspect of it. The family dynamics were slow at first and then built into the plot. I enjoyed the reconnections of the FMCs as rocky as their relationship was in the book.
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
"Maya and Natasha" is a breathtaking debut novel that masterfully intertwines the intricate world of Cold War Soviet ballet with a deeply emotional family saga. The novel's remarkable attention to detail and thorough research shines through on every page, offering readers a vivid and authentic glimpse into the harsh realities and mesmerizing artistry of the era.
Set against the backdrop of 1950s Soviet Russia, the story of twin sisters Maya and Natasha is brought to life with stunning precision. The author’s meticulous exploration of the Vaganova Ballet Academy and the Kirov Ballet immerses readers in a world where every pirouette and jeté is steeped in historical significance and personal sacrifice. The complex portrayal of the Soviet regime's impact on the arts and the lives of the characters is both insightful and poignant.
The novel deftly balances historical accuracy with emotional depth, allowing readers to fully engage with the sisters' struggles and triumphs. The portrayal of Maya and Natasha's evolving relationship—marked by both fierce competition and unbreakable bonds—adds a powerful dimension to the narrative. Their personal journey, shaped by a world that is as unforgiving as it is mesmerizing, is rendered with a sensitivity and nuance that make their story both compelling and unforgettable.
In "Maya and Natasha," the combination of supreme research and exquisite storytelling results in a novel that is as educational as it is enthralling. This debut not only captures the essence of an era but also delivers a deeply moving tale of dreams, loyalty, and the complexities of sisterhood.
Set against the backdrop of 1950s Soviet Russia, the story of twin sisters Maya and Natasha is brought to life with stunning precision. The author’s meticulous exploration of the Vaganova Ballet Academy and the Kirov Ballet immerses readers in a world where every pirouette and jeté is steeped in historical significance and personal sacrifice. The complex portrayal of the Soviet regime's impact on the arts and the lives of the characters is both insightful and poignant.
The novel deftly balances historical accuracy with emotional depth, allowing readers to fully engage with the sisters' struggles and triumphs. The portrayal of Maya and Natasha's evolving relationship—marked by both fierce competition and unbreakable bonds—adds a powerful dimension to the narrative. Their personal journey, shaped by a world that is as unforgiving as it is mesmerizing, is rendered with a sensitivity and nuance that make their story both compelling and unforgettable.
In "Maya and Natasha," the combination of supreme research and exquisite storytelling results in a novel that is as educational as it is enthralling. This debut not only captures the essence of an era but also delivers a deeply moving tale of dreams, loyalty, and the complexities of sisterhood.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Miscarriage, Death of parent