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Thursday, May 5, 2011

'Russian Winter' by Daphne Kalotay (TLC Tour Book)



Teaser synopsis:
“This novel, about an oppressive Soviet Russia, a mysterious amber pendant, and the lives of ballerinas, composers, and poets, is fantastic.” —The Rumpus

My Thoughts: I was pulled into this story from the very first chapter. The whole premise of the book intrigued me from the beginning and I have to say that the author delivered a stellar read. I especially enjoyed how the author weaved Nina's past into her present. It came together cohesively and really added that extra special layer to this story. The jewels had me mesmerized and I often found my mind wandering as to what they looked like and feeling a sort of attachment to them. Strange, huh? This story has many elements that make it a top-notch read; a mystery, closely guarded secrets, well-written fleshed out characters, time periods that just call to you, gorgeous gems, and wonderful writing.

Recommend? Without hesitation. If you're looking for a smart story that comes alive while reading then I think this would a story for you. I've pretty much read nothing but top-notch reviews on this book and I believe this book truly deserves them all and more. Treat yourself and read this one!!

Rating: 9/10

Published: April 5, 2011
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Pages:466
Genre: Semi-historical fiction that makes you feel as if you are there!
ISBN: 9780061962172

About Daphne Kalotay

Daphne Kalotay grew up in New Jersey, where her parents had relocated from Ontario; her mother is Canadian, her father is Hungarian. She attended Vassar College, majoring in psychology, before moving to Boston to attend Boston University’s graduate program in fiction writing. She stayed on at BU to study with Saul Bellow as part of the University Professors program, where she earned a PhD in Modern and Contemporary literature, writing her dissertation on one of her favorite writers, Mavis Gallant. Her interview with Mavis Gallant can be found in the Paris Review’s Writers-at-work series.
At Boston University, Daphne’s stories won the school’s Florence Engell Randall Fiction Prize and a Henfield Foundation Award. Her first book, the fiction collection Calamity and Other Stories, includes work first published in Agni, Good Housekeeping, The Literary Review, Missouri Review, Michigan Quarterly Review, and Prairie Schooner, and was short-listed for the Story Prize.
Daphne has taught literature and creative writing at Boston University, Skidmore College, and Middlebury College. She lives in the Boston area.
Find out more about Daphne at her website, and be sure to like her on Facebook! A reading group guide is available.
 
Disclaimer:Thank you to TLC Book Tours for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel

© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
 
 
 

27 comments:

  1. Wowwwwww! This sounds AWESOME! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

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  2. Wow, I can't imagine getting to study with Saul Bellow! I would love to hear more about that part of the author's past! ...off to check out the website!!!

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  3. 9/10 is high praise. I had to laugh at your being mesmerized by the jewels. It sounds like Kalotay has a real ability with her descriptions. I was also quite taken with the author's credentials very impressive. Great review.

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  4. Oh Staci, I love the sound of this one. I've been eying it and hoping the eBook price drops at some point LOL

    Nice review.

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  5. This sounds fabulous! The gem on the cover looks like something that would mesmerize you!

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  6. This book has been on my radar for a while now (great cover, too). I like the format of this post... on to the wish list it goes :-)

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  7. I think I enjoyed Russian Winter as much as you did, Staci! It was one of my favorites last year.

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  8. Daphne Kalotay has a very impressive bio! I have this on my shelf and really need to get to it. I find myself staring at the cover quite often. The amber pendant on it is breath-taking.

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  9. Thanks for a great review...I've had my eye on this one for awhile, so now I simply must read it!

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  10. I know I have a copy of this book packed away in a box. Who knows what box or when I'll find it. I suspect I may have to get it from the library or even order on my Kindle if I keep reading such lovely reviews. :-)

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  11. It looks like a great book. I've been seeing a lot of good reviews so I'm sure I'll get around to this one someday soon (hopefully). :) So many good books to read and not enough time.

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  12. Sounds great, and the era can sure bring drama and tension to a book

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  13. Loved this book. One of the best examples of historical and contemporary I have read.

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  14. I loved this book too! She really brought the characters and setting to life.

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  15. The cover of our UK edition is nothing like as lovely as the one you have, but the book sounds wonderful. I've placed an order at the library.

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  16. Love the editorial genre ;) ALmost makes me think you liked it!

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  17. I don't know how I missed this one. It sounds so good. I know this sounds shallow, but I'd pick it up for the cover alone.

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  18. Great review! This is one I've had on my wishlist for a while now. I must find time to read it one of these days.

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  19. I received a surprise ARC of this book awhile back, but haven't read it yet. I'm so glad to see you enjoyed it. I can't wait to find time to read it.

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  20. nice review--it's probably a little bit easier to read than Tolsoy, eh?

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  21. This sounds like a great read, thanks for the intro to it!

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  22. I love that the jewels were so intriguing that you were constantly imagining what they might look like!

    I'm glad to see this was such a good read. I have a soft spot for Soviet history so I think I'd really enjoy this one.

    Thanks for being on the tour. :)

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  23. You've sold me on picking this one up. It sounds amazing and I cannot wait to read it!

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  24. "time periods that just call to you, gorgeous gems, and wonderful writing" ... lovely review Staci, another one for my wishlist :)

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  25. I had the same feeling about the jewels. I just wanted to hold a piece of amber and gaze into it. Nice review, Staci!

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  26. You had me at Russia, mysterious amber pendant and ballerinas. The cover is intriguing and your rave review just clinches it for me. Writing this title down right now.

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  27. Add this wonderful review the other stellar ones I have read about this book. Thanks for the recommendation Staci :)

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