I have mixed feelings on this one. While historical fiction is probably my favorite genre, I had yet to read a book about this plot point-an American who choose to immigrate to Soviet Russia. It seemed so backwards to me, and something I definitely wanted to learn more about. Florence had felt let down by the America she had been born and raised in. It was post WWI and she was captivated by the revolution in Russia. Florence decides to leave her American family and become a revolutionary in Russia. It is then that her story takes a dark turn as Russia enters the dark Stalin era. The book alternates between Florence's story and her son Julian's story-which is basically present day. I felt like this book dragged and I would struggle to read even 20 pages at night. I very much cared for the characters, but the descriptions and plot moved very, very slow. There are still parts of Florence's story that I am not sure belong to what piece of the puzzle of her life. Overall I would give this work a try if you are looking for a different view of Russia during the Stalin regime. Thank you Penguin First to Read and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this work.
The Patriots by Sana Krasikov is the story of Florence, a young American woman in the 1930s who goes against her family and moves to Russia. This perspective makes this book unique. I love the historic premise of this book, the idea of exploring what happened to the foreigners in Russia in between the two World Wars. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, I have a really difficult time getting through the book itself.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2016/12/the-patriots.html
Reviewed for the Penguin First to Read program
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2016/12/the-patriots.html
Reviewed for the Penguin First to Read program
Story about and idealistic, educated young woman who chooses to move to Russia in the late 1920's and cannot leave for decades there after. It goes back and forth between present and past, with her son also telling his story. Although her story is interesting, it is a bit long-winded and his story didn't have the same depth or interest. When I hit the final pages,though, I realized that her story had lulled me until I was part of it, bringing her tale to a well earned finale. Well done first novel with interesting insights into Russia and socialism; it will be one which I remember. book received in goodreads contest with expectation of fair/unbiased review
