Available now: The Patriots by Sana Krasikov

****4/5 stars-loved it

A multi-generational Russian-American-expat saga told in three parts, from pre- soviet Russia to post.

Recommended readers:

• If you are a fan of historical fiction,
• and a devotee of the bleak Russian novel, this one is for you.

Here’s my Rankings:

• 4/5 for characters
• 4/5 for plot
• 4/5 overall

REVIEW FROM BOOKS FOR HER:

At the heart of the debut novel The Patriots is the character of Florence Fein, an idealist in depression era- America who departs Brooklyn for a new life in Russia. The story then alternates from her own story to that of her son and grandson, both affected very deeply by her youthful decision and the lessons of history. All three live part of their lives in the U.S. and part in Russia, each lending their own voices to twentieth- century history and rendering a clearly meticulously-researched and sweeping chronicle. Be prepared to be sucked into another world, on a journey long, weighty and somber.   But then, if anyone has a recommendation of Russian fiction that tends away from the bleak, I’d love to hear about it.

(Hint: A Gentleman in Moscow might apply here)

The Patriots is available now