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swj_book_dragon 's review for:
Our Woman in Moscow
by Beatriz Williams
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Beatriz Williams is one of my favorite writers for a reason. She always weaves an interesting narrative with captivating characters to pull her readers into the story until the very last page. While this was not my favorite of her novels, Our Woman in Moscow was still a fantastic piece of Cold War fiction.
Unlike so many books about Cold War-era espionage, readers are guided through the book from the perspective of three female characters. Williams expertly spins her narratives so that the story gently unfolds throughout the different timelines until the grand finale when all the pieces fall into place. I found myself always wanting to read one more chapter, fully knowing that one more chapter would only lead to another.... then another... Her writing is invigorating and intriguing, crafting a world so vivid, the reader feels a part of the action.
As always, her characters are the strongest part of her writing. Ruth and Iris seem to be real people. They are witty and inciteful, yet irritating at the same time. The reader is made aware of their imperfections and their short comings without compromising their contributions to the story. There is, of course, the traditional Schuyler connection- it wouldn't be a Beatriz Williams book without one! Lyudmila is more mysterious, never quite revealing everything to the reader. She is the perfect Cold War mystery; a character I feel like I never quite got to know for the simple reason that she only allows the reader to see what she wants them to see. It is her mastery of crafting strong female characters that marks Williams as one of the queens of historical fiction.
Overall, this was a thoroughly intriguing novel which I know I will revisit in the future. I can't wait to see what Williams writes next!
Beatriz Williams is one of my favorite writers for a reason. She always weaves an interesting narrative with captivating characters to pull her readers into the story until the very last page. While this was not my favorite of her novels, Our Woman in Moscow was still a fantastic piece of Cold War fiction.
Unlike so many books about Cold War-era espionage, readers are guided through the book from the perspective of three female characters. Williams expertly spins her narratives so that the story gently unfolds throughout the different timelines until the grand finale when all the pieces fall into place. I found myself always wanting to read one more chapter, fully knowing that one more chapter would only lead to another.... then another... Her writing is invigorating and intriguing, crafting a world so vivid, the reader feels a part of the action.
As always, her characters are the strongest part of her writing. Ruth and Iris seem to be real people. They are witty and inciteful, yet irritating at the same time. The reader is made aware of their imperfections and their short comings without compromising their contributions to the story. There is, of course, the traditional Schuyler connection- it wouldn't be a Beatriz Williams book without one! Lyudmila is more mysterious, never quite revealing everything to the reader. She is the perfect Cold War mystery; a character I feel like I never quite got to know for the simple reason that she only allows the reader to see what she wants them to see. It is her mastery of crafting strong female characters that marks Williams as one of the queens of historical fiction.
Overall, this was a thoroughly intriguing novel which I know I will revisit in the future. I can't wait to see what Williams writes next!