Loved it

This book was recommended many years ago... well worth the wait! I look forward to book 2.

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Loved it

The story gives you a glimpse of a life of the past during war time. What people have to go through. With a lovely love story along.

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Epic Love Story!

If you love historic fiction and romance this is one of the best. The longevity of this story is incredible and I love how well the characters are wrriten!
#Audible1

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My new favourite book

I have read this novel twice, and now listened to the audiobook too! This novel deserves the five star rating, it has INCREDIBLE imagery, character development, and is exciting, tragic, and romantic. I prefer it in the book version rather than audiobook, but the narrator could not have done a better job! This story made me laugh, cry, get mad, and feel the excitement and uncertainty of young love. However, this is not your average love story. I strongly recommend.

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Beautifully constructed

There are a number of parts in this that reminded me of the joy of reading (in this case listening) to stories. The story of these characters is quiet sweet and it is worth the read for the historical fiction lovers as well. There is definitely a realistic element that gives this story edge but that adds to the experience. James’ performance is excellent.

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Great epic love story...but so long

the narrator was great, I was not sure a male narrator could pull it off but he did. The story is beautiful and the setting is so engaging. It does drag on however, not sure why the publisher let it be published without more edits. Its a time committment for sure.

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a historical romance

Have not really read a book like this before. I really enjoyed the 'historical' aspect of life in Russia during WWII. At times it got a bit 'over the top' with sexual descriptions, but the plot really kept you interested.
In terms of narration, James Langton does a GREAT job of all the male voices and all the accents, but his female heroine unfortunately had a high shrill voice that did not match her 'character' and I found that off putting.....as long as he just keeps doing male voices, he's great!

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Starts heavier on the historical fiction, then has a lot of “romance”.

Initially, the novel starts as compelling historical fiction, capturing interest with strong storytelling and period details. However, as the story progresses, it shifts significantly to focus on romance, characterized by traditional dynamics reminiscent of those found in literature from 80 years ago. While the first half of the book is engaging and well-executed, the second half delves deeply into romance and intimacy. The narrative concludes with an ending that primarily serves to lay the groundwork for the next installment in the series.

A traditional, though outdated, romantic trope featuring a youthful, submissive damsel who embodies an almost archaic purity and innocence. She becomes involved with a more mature, conventionally successful army officer whose initial gestures of affection soon reveal a controlling disposition, escalating alarmingly as the story progresses. The narrative is marred by juvenile drama stemming from poor communication and rash assumptions, alongside character inconsistencies that see characters fluctuating between assured love and doubt.

Tatia is inconsistent, exhibiting a jarring shift from suffering and deprivation to frivolous wastefulness. Her transformation from naivety to a sudden sexual assertiveness is stark. The story descends into clichéd scenarios, focusing excessively on the couple's relationship dynamics—dominated by the male's possessiveness and the female's irrational loyalty. This relationship is depicted through a cycle of intense arguments and passionate reconciliations, highlighting their immature handling of conflict and intimacy.

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Too much Sex

I was disappointed. The first half of the book makes you feel like you were in Leningrad at the time of the war. And then all of a sudden it changes from historical fiction to erotica.

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1 person found this helpful