Stalin's Russia, 1939. Disgraced literature teacher Pavel is consigned to the Lubyanka archives, forced to incinerate the works of purged writers. His wife has died, his mother's brain is deteriorating, his friend is 'disappeared'. All gloom? No, despite constant underlying fear, the loss and sadness, life goes on with moments of joy and hope, culminating in Pavel's final act of rebellion. Holland writes beautifully, his evocation of Stalinist Russia is hauntingly convincing. A really lovely book.
(Annabel Bedini - bwl 107 Winter 2023 ) |
