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Sashenka: A Novel
by Simon Sebag Montefiore
Sashenka (1/12/2009)
Well written and descriptive of the time. One forgets exactly how dangerous it was to live in the time of such upheaval in Russia. The Czar is deposed and killed and the people think/hope/believe it will be a better place to live. The era under Stalin was not a safe time and the possibility of being reported and tortured and either imprisoned in the Gulag or be put to death did not contribute to a good life.The survival of the children was heartwarming. It was good to realize one person did do so much to help them live after the parents were taken away. Would recommend reading it.
Valley of the Lost
by Vicki Delany
Valley of the Lost (12/1/2008)
One realizes quickly that the drug problem is not endemic to the US and British Columbia has problems with marijuana being used frequently as well as hard drugs. Sgt. Winters calls on Constable Molly Smith to assist on interviewing local residents since he's new to the area. He's comfortable working with the RCMP - a view contrary to feelings of police in other books. The different names of the characters was confusing. (Molly is Moonlight Legolas and her mother refers to her as Moonlight.) Thought the ongoing references to the parents as "flowerchildren" was off-putting and not integral to the plot. Molly is likable, however, not enough to want to read future books. Would not suggest it for our mystery book discussion group.
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