A review by andrew61
When the Doves Disappeared, by Sofi Oksanen

4.0

An interesting story of Estonia in the second world war and 1960's under Communist Russian rule. The story follows two cousins Roland and Edgar who in 1941 are fighting the Russian invading troops as Estonian freedom fighters. Roland is a tough and virtuous man who is in love with Rosalie ,Edgar is a schemer who is married to Juudit in a loveless relationship. The story then alternates between the 1940's as the Germans invade and rule the country with the consequent horrors , Roland is on the run and Edgar starts to work for the Nazi regime under a new name, and the 1960's when Edgar is following the story of his cousin under the fist and conspiracies of Communist Russia. I enjoyed the portrayal of a country torn apart by repressive regimes and the characters of the two men wove an enjoyable contrast with Edgar being a very well drawn villain. Worth a read if it is a period that interests you although I did not view it as a classic as some of the endorsements on the cover suggest.