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Robert S. (Henderson, NV)
A Grand and Poignant Adventure
"The Last Russian Doll" is an extraordinary work of historical fiction-a three-dimensional maze noteworthy for its intricate plot, textured structure and realistic character development. Weaving the threads of multiple lives against the backdrop of the twentieth century Soviet Union the author slowly and deftly exposes the unity of the story and the complex relationships among the characters, rewarding the reader for the focus that the novel demands.
Among the book's most compelling qualities is its forceful narrative of the great historical events that defined the Soviet Union of the last century (the revolution,
…more the siege of Leningrad, the rule of Stalin and the breakup of the republic) which are described through their profound affect on the personalities that populate the story.
Finally, the art of the prose distinguishes this fine work. A car is described as "shrieking in protest at every turn". A character observes a "pyramid of food jars with contents that appeared monstrous, white sweet onions like human eyeballs, gherkins like fetuses". And the old lady's mouth arranging itself into a smile".
I expect that "The Last Russian Doll" will appeal to most consumers of serious historical fiction and provide to this audience a memorable and thought provoking read. (less)A thoroughly engaging work of historical fiction that blends characters in two different time periods in Russia. In 1991, Rosie (Raisa), who is of Russian heritage, becomes a research assistant to a famous dissident writer, Alexey Ivanov. His "research" involves Russia, so Rosie accompanies him to find answers and face demons related to her childhood. Concurrently, Loesch spins a tale of Antonina (Tonya) and Valentin as they experience life, love, upheaval, and betrayal during the turbulent period of Russia's history (1916-1943). While it may appear that the characters in their respective time periods are
…more discrete, Loesch uses a combination of fact, fiction, and fairy tale to weave a thread that unites their stories in a meaningful and intriguing way. I found this book exciting because of its Russian history, dimensionality of its characters and the mystery associated with the relationships between all the characters. (less)I really enjoyed the mystery of family intrigue and the historical setting of this book. This is an interesting book that includes mystery, human tragedy and intrigue. The characters are well represented by people that remind us of ourselves. The setting of the early 20th century Russian revolution and how it reaches all the way into the early 21st century makes this a fascinating and informative story. Many people whose family migrated to America or England can identify with the lost history created by war and revolution. The context of the Russian Revolution and the chaotic world of those times is of interest
…more today. This story shows the real life consequences and costs people paid to survive. There is nothing heavy about this really fun book, set primarily in a time of great conflict. (less)
Cheryl W. (Crosby, MN)
The Last Russian doll
In a faraway kingdom, in a long-ago land...this is story of generations of women interlocked in Russian history. It starts with the overthrow of the Romanov family by the Bolsheviks in 1917 and continues to 1993. Rosie who lives in London takes a position as an assistant and goes to Russia to discover her history. I throughly enjoyed this book and the Russian history interwoven with this story. I had trouble at first understanding the multiple names given to the characters at different times in their lives. I would highly recommend.
Susan Tipton
An Engaging Russian Saga
I found the novel a bit slow to get going on, but once I connected I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story starts in the current time when Rosie, a college student, who longs to return to Russia, is given the opportunity when she answers an ad from an academic. Rosie was from taken from Russia as a small child in the aftermath of a family tragedy which forms the structure for the story. The opportunity was dropped in her lap and I had an inkling that it was too easy, but that too was part of the bones of the plot.
The story then takes parallel lines beginning with a star crossed lovers theme of two opposites falling
…more into a dangerous love affair in the 1900s Russia. I found this riveting. The Bolshevik revolution was played out in all its tragic consequences brought down to how it affects people caught up in it. The two stories converge and the paths taken by the characters unfolds. The mystery of the deaths of Rosie’s father and sister are revealed as one of those consequences. I found at times difficulty deciphering who was being spoken about because of unclear pronouns- I had to do some re-reading to get the thread but it was a lovely love story, engaging history, a story of missed opportunities, uniting, and enduring love. (less)The Last Russian Doll is one of the most compelling books of historical fiction that I've read in years. The themes feel nearly as sweeping as the best of Russian literature encompassing forbidden love, romance, world war, civil war, treachery, mystery, political upheaval, hope, despair, beauty, bleakness, loss, miscommunication, custom created porcelain dolls, Gulags, torture, redemption, fairy tales, survival, and the search for meaning in life. Mix War & Peace with Crime & Punishment and toss in a bit of Anna Karenina with a dash of Pushkin, Stalin, Chekhov and a pinch of Solzhenitsyn. I could not
…more stop reading. It is one of those stories I did not want to end. The story alternates among perspectives/ voices as well as three different time periods: 1917/1918; 1945/1946; 1991. (less)The Last Russian Doll by Kristen Loesch is a story to move readers and take them into the Russian revolution as well as the present day. Readers will become immersed in a story of family, dysfunction and all. The use of Russian folklore enhances the story. The Last Russian Doll is a mesmerizing read.
Ashleigh P. (Round Hill, VA)
Unique and masterfully crafted
The Last Russian Doll is a masterfully plotted historical fiction novel that while reads a bit heavy like Russian fiction tends to do, will suck you from the start. Once you allow yourself to glide over Russian names (and not get so fixated on keeping everyone straight) this book will pull you in - by layering past and present, the author keeps you captivated, leaving you to want to piece it all together as you form attachment to the well-developed characters. For me, this was also a chance to learn more about a country I admittedly have read little about (other than some heavy hitting Tolstoy novels). This was
…more much more digestible. The different storylines come together in a seemingly effortless way - though very evidently through tremendous thought. This was a much needed and unique addition to more recently published historical fiction. (less)
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