Reviews

This is one of the best memoirs I have read by anyone, ever. Hilarious and heartbreaking, an adventure that is grounded in deep honesty and introspection. I gained greater insight into Russia from this book than I did from the 10 other Russia/nonfiction titles I read this year combined.

So. Freaking. Great.

farfromginger's review

Go to review page

emotional funny reflective medium-paced

4.0

joebu14's review

Go to review page

inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

babsellen's review

Go to review page

5.0

A gripping memoir that brings you inside the Soviet Union, experiencing its final days as a Ukrainian Jew in the late 1980s. All this through the eyes and feelings of a boy, age 6-10. The author takes you on his family's harrowing escape to Vienna and ultimately to the promise of America. Meet interesting characters along the way, and most of all experience how the scars of the past manifest themselves in an immigrant's life.

katykat3's review

Go to review page

4.0

I've learned about Jewish migration from the USSR in classes, but never have imagined how difficult this must have been for those leaving. Lev Golinkin shared his experiences and feelings with us; it was very raw and real, and we are lucky to be able to read it. I like how he told his story in a partially nonlinear fashion, so when it was done, it didn't actually feel done. And I think that's how he wants us to feel, because his life isn't over, so he still has much left to do and to figure out.

I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

More...