A review by marshaskrypuch
Something Unbelievable by Maria Kuznetsova

5.0

The author seamlessly interweaves a multigenerational story of a well-to-do Ukrainian-Russian family from the time of the Russian Revolution, intensely through WWII and onto the present in the US. The novel begins with Larissa, now an elderly grandmother, telling her life story to her beloved granddaughter Natasha via regular Skype visits. Natasha is a new mother and a burgeoning actor who is struggling to put some order into her life. The intersections of these two women's personalities and weaknesses is engaging and I loved the full circle that came in the end. Larissa's struggles through WWII make for a consuming read all on their own. Many larger than life characters and incidents. I especially loved the droll voice of Larissa.

This is a multi-layered and carefully crafted novel that reads smooth like butter. Brava. One of the best novels I've read this year.