readingqueen83's review against another edition
5.0
Wow!!!!! Brilliant!!! Loved reading this book!!!
sophie883's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
gluegunner's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
this is the greatest book ive ever read . see you space kolya.......
lisa15's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
anluu's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
relyen's review against another edition
5.0
ugh this was so good. too many good lines to quote, but one that stuck with me: "As she turns from you, tucking the sheets beneath her hip, you nearly forget to ask yourself, 'What monster have I become today?'" this was the first book in a really long time that pulled me in and held me the entire time. gorgeous descriptions of normal people living first under Soviet communism, and then under the modern regime of Russia today.
naomimetz96's review against another edition
5.0
After reading both of his novels in a short amount of time I have to say, Anthony Marra is one of the best writers I've had the pleasure of reading. His writing is so poetic and beautiful and never fails to bring me to tears.
Although technically a collection of short stories this definitely felt like a typical novel to me, all characters were very connected. I would HIGHLY suggest this to everyone. Crossing my fingers that he will release something else soon because I need more!!!
Although technically a collection of short stories this definitely felt like a typical novel to me, all characters were very connected. I would HIGHLY suggest this to everyone. Crossing my fingers that he will release something else soon because I need more!!!
michromeu's review against another edition
4.0
A journey through the USSR (and Russia) (and Ukraine) from the 193os up until today, I loved the way this book feels like a set of short stories, but it later becomes so clear how they all fit together into a larger narrative. Really surprised by how much I enjoyed this one, and two years later I can still remember how the characters astonished me with their depth.
internationalkris's review against another edition
4.0
A stunning collection of stories linked across the decades. The main threads begin with 2 people who were imprisoned or killed during Stalin's purges. Later generations grow up in an Arctic nickle-mining town with an artificial forest and mercury lake. Other threads of the story tie to Chechnya. Through the format of short stories the book is able to achieve both depth into the lives of characters and breadth through time and space. A beautiful work though not as deeply touching as his previous novel A Constellation of Vital Phenomena.