Anne G. reviewed on + 12 more book reviews
(From Library Journal) ... fairly straightforward narrative ... Constructed on a more intimate scale ..., it is a stark, well-drawn portrait of the title character told in "scenes from the life" style, from Marya's early days of poverty, her life as an abandoned child raised by an aunt and uncle, through hard-won college success and an academic career. Marya's development and her innermost fears and insecurities are revealed in a very personal, almost autobiographical manner.