5 stars for Panic in a Suitcase, a Novel

Panic in a Suitcase follows the lives of the Nasmertovs, who emigrate from Odessa, for over two decades. The elderswonder if they made the right choice, moving to America, while, at the same time, they try to convince the lone hold out, Pasha Nasmertov, to join them. He steadfastly resists in apassive aggressive manner that infuriates his sister.

The novelisuproarious and engaging, full of vivid characters with idiosyncrasies and foibles. I loved Akhtiorskaya’s style — her language, herfresh a...