Reviews

Heading North by Holly M. Wendt

avalydia's review

4.0

This was a very well written book. NOT a romance, to be clear. But a moving story about love and grief that shows just how hard it is for someone like Viktor to exist safely in Russia, while reminding the reader that the United States - especially the professional sports scene in the United States - is no paradise, either.

I'm not sure I fully understood Kirill's motives towards the end.

I found it a bit hard to believe that someone would fake out themselves in Russia, even in honor of their dead son. Considering what happens to him shortly after, I'm not convinced he lives much longer after the story ends; is he martyring himself in the hope of making things in Russia just slightly better? Is that even likely to happen? Or is he simply lost in his grief and not thinking clearly?

I also don't know if I believe that Viktor would originally ask Kirill to out him and give him the power to do so whenever he chose. Again, could have been the grief, but seems like a beyond reckless thing to do for someone who spends most of the book trying not to get outed. Was it the self-destructive part of him that wanted to have been on the plane?

Would be curious to hear what others think.

carllavigne's review

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Come for the gay grief and the hockey, stay for the thoughtful ruminations on Having A Body.

athena33's review

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0