A review by shaukav
The Child Thief by Dan Smith

5.0

This book gives a really good insight into life in Ukraine in the 1930’s under the corrupt communist ruling regime. The Red army have been going from village to village pillaging and murdering people for crimes against the country. Luka lives in one such village which hasn’t yet been discovered. When his niece is kidnapped he must leave his village, accompanied by his two sons, and search for her. 
Luka who was previously a Russian soldier, is a fascinating character, both loving and loyal but also hardened by the war and all he has experienced. I loved his relationship with his family and how he interacted with his twin sons, trying to parent them differently in line with their personalities. I really rooted for Luka throughout and couldn’t wait to get to the end of it to see how it panned out for him and his family. An emotional roller coaster, especially the second half. 
An informative and action filled read that’s brutal and dark, well worth the read.