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A review by duffrunstough
The Orchard by Kristina Gorcheva-Newberry
4.0
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of “The Orchard” through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
"The Orchard" is a poignant and emotionally charged novel that tells the story of a group of inseparable friends during the fall of the Soviet Union. The book is narrated by Anya, who recalls her childhood and teenage years with her best friends, Milka and the two boys, Lopatin and Trifonov. Set against the backdrop of the political and social turmoil in Russia during the 1980s, the story explores themes of friendship, sexual exploration, and coming of age against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world.
One of the standout elements of "The Orchard" is its vivid and authentic portrayal of life in Russia during this time period. The book offers a unique and nuanced perspective on the complexities and challenges of growing up in the Soviet Union, and the ways in which the fall of the regime impacted the lives of ordinary people. The characters are also well-developed, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations.
The first part of the book follows Anya and her friends as they navigate their teenage years and the many regimes that contributed to the fall of the Soviet Union. The second part of the book picks up almost twenty years later, as Anya returns to Russia from the United States, where she has married an American and pursued a career as a comparative literature professor. As Anya confronts the ghosts of her past and works to build a future for herself and her family, the conflict with Lopatin over the sale of her family's orchard takes center stage.
This novel takes a great deal of inspiration from "The Cherry Orchard" by playwright Anton Chekhov, as shown by the protagonist being named Anya and the antagonist being named Lopatin, rather than Lopakhin. While I enjoyed the novel, I couldn't help but feel that I would have had a deeper understanding had I seen or read the play script of "The Cherry Orchard" beforehand.
Overall, "The Orchard" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that offers a unique and authentic portrayal of life in the Soviet Union during the 1980s. With its emotional depth, engaging characters, and compelling storyline, it is a must-read for anyone interested in the historical and cultural context of the fall of the Soviet Union. Just be aware that the book may contain triggering themes and content, including sexual abuse and violence, which could be disturbing for some readers. If you have experienced trauma or have triggers that may be activated by this type of content, it may be best to approach this book with caution or seek support while reading.
Overall, I give this novel a 4.5 out of 5 stars!
"The Orchard" is a poignant and emotionally charged novel that tells the story of a group of inseparable friends during the fall of the Soviet Union. The book is narrated by Anya, who recalls her childhood and teenage years with her best friends, Milka and the two boys, Lopatin and Trifonov. Set against the backdrop of the political and social turmoil in Russia during the 1980s, the story explores themes of friendship, sexual exploration, and coming of age against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world.
One of the standout elements of "The Orchard" is its vivid and authentic portrayal of life in Russia during this time period. The book offers a unique and nuanced perspective on the complexities and challenges of growing up in the Soviet Union, and the ways in which the fall of the regime impacted the lives of ordinary people. The characters are also well-developed, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations.
The first part of the book follows Anya and her friends as they navigate their teenage years and the many regimes that contributed to the fall of the Soviet Union. The second part of the book picks up almost twenty years later, as Anya returns to Russia from the United States, where she has married an American and pursued a career as a comparative literature professor. As Anya confronts the ghosts of her past and works to build a future for herself and her family, the conflict with Lopatin over the sale of her family's orchard takes center stage.
This novel takes a great deal of inspiration from "The Cherry Orchard" by playwright Anton Chekhov, as shown by the protagonist being named Anya and the antagonist being named Lopatin, rather than Lopakhin. While I enjoyed the novel, I couldn't help but feel that I would have had a deeper understanding had I seen or read the play script of "The Cherry Orchard" beforehand.
Overall, "The Orchard" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that offers a unique and authentic portrayal of life in the Soviet Union during the 1980s. With its emotional depth, engaging characters, and compelling storyline, it is a must-read for anyone interested in the historical and cultural context of the fall of the Soviet Union. Just be aware that the book may contain triggering themes and content, including sexual abuse and violence, which could be disturbing for some readers. If you have experienced trauma or have triggers that may be activated by this type of content, it may be best to approach this book with caution or seek support while reading.
Overall, I give this novel a 4.5 out of 5 stars!