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A review by namakurhea
Grey Bees by Andrey Kurkov
3.75
This book surprised me in so many ways and if I could sum it all up in three words: touching, simple, effective. I admit that I was a little bit intimidated about this book when I first picked it up. Didn’t read the blurb on purpose to surprise me… but I was expecting a book heavily laden with politics and war which will require knowledge in Russia-Ukraine relations. But well, it IS but they were laid out in very human terms.
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Kurkov wrote that he wants to capture “not on military operations and heroic soldiers, but on the ordinary people whom the war had failed to force from their homes.” Grey Zones are areas between conflict zones and peace zones. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have given rise to these zones and through Sergeyich’s (the main character) eyes, we get to see how life goes on in these zones. It’s a very touching story of resilience and the strength of human spirit. There is also a bit of a suspense and a surprise in the end. Masterfully done!
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I also describe this book as “effective” because no character and plotlines are wasted. The prose is pretty straightforward. For some reason it made me think of Anton Chekov’s writing style a little bit in the way that it’s efficient.
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I believe this is my first book by Andrey Kurkov and I am delighted! Looking forward to read more of his work 🐝
.
Kurkov wrote that he wants to capture “not on military operations and heroic soldiers, but on the ordinary people whom the war had failed to force from their homes.” Grey Zones are areas between conflict zones and peace zones. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have given rise to these zones and through Sergeyich’s (the main character) eyes, we get to see how life goes on in these zones. It’s a very touching story of resilience and the strength of human spirit. There is also a bit of a suspense and a surprise in the end. Masterfully done!
.
I also describe this book as “effective” because no character and plotlines are wasted. The prose is pretty straightforward. For some reason it made me think of Anton Chekov’s writing style a little bit in the way that it’s efficient.
.
I believe this is my first book by Andrey Kurkov and I am delighted! Looking forward to read more of his work 🐝