What do you think?
Rate this book
Les âme perdues d'Angelkov
Dans la Russie des tsars, le destin tourmenté d'une jeune femme ardente et courageuse
En apparence, la vie de la comtesse Antonina n’est que faste et privilèges… Mais sous le joug d’un père autoritaire, puis d’un mari qu’elle n’a pas choisi, la jeune femme vit le pire des drames lorsque son fils Micha est enlevé par une bande de cosaques. Alors que tout la pousse au désespoir, Antonina décide de se battre pour retrouver son enfant, soutenue par Lilia, sa fidèle servante, et Gricha, le régisseur du domaine au charme troublant. Trouvera-t-elle en elle la force de triompher du sort ?
En apparence, la vie de la comtesse Antonina n’est que faste et privilèges… Mais sous le joug d’un père autoritaire, puis d’un mari qu’elle n’a pas choisi, la jeune femme vit le pire des drames lorsque son fils Micha est enlevé par une bande de cosaques. Alors que tout la pousse au désespoir, Antonina décide de se battre pour retrouver son enfant, soutenue par Lilia, sa fidèle servante, et Gricha, le régisseur du domaine au charme troublant. Trouvera-t-elle en elle la force de triompher du sort ?
672 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2012
17 people are currently reading
682 people want to read
About the author
Linda Holeman
27 books242 followersLinda Holeman is the author of fourteen books of fiction. Her work includes two adult collections of literary short stories, Flying to Yellow and Devil’s Darning Needle, as well as the historic novels The Linnet Bird, The Moonlit Cage, In a Far Country, The Saffron Gate, The Lost Souls of Angelkov, and The Devil on Her Tongue. Her young adult body of work consists of a collection of short stories, Saying Good-Bye, which was re-released as Toxic Love, and four novels: Promise Song, Mercy’s Birds, Raspberry House Blues, and Search of the Moon King’s Daughter. She has also written a first-chapter book, Frankie on the Run, illustrated by Heather Collins. To date, Linda’s work has been translated into French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Greek, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, and Hungarian, soon to be published in Croatian, Italian, Czech and Slovakian.
As well as being published in many journals and periodicals, her work has been widely anthologized in Canada – most noticeably in The Journey Prize Anthology – and abroad. Linda has also acted as guest editor for a young adult issue of Prairie Fire Magazine, for which was she awarded the Vicky Metcalf Short Story Editor Award. She has been the recipient of many honours and awards for her young adult work.
Linda has been a member of the Manitoba Artists in the Schools Program and CANSCAIP, toured with the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, acted as a mentor in the Manitoba Writers’ Guild Mentor Program, taught creative writing through the University of Winnipeg’s Continuing Education, served on many juries, including the Governor-General’s Award for Children’s Literature, and created and facilitated numerous writing workshops on many aspects of the writing process to both students and adults nationally and internationally. She held a nine-month term as Writer-in-Residence at the Millennium Library in Winnipeg, and served on the editorial advisory board for Turnstone Press and on the board of the Manitoba Writers Guild. She is a member of The Writers Union of Canada.
Linda holds a BA in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Winnipeg, a BEd in Early Childhood Education and MEd in Educational Psychology from the University of Manitoba.
She currently lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Source: http://www.lindaholeman.com/
As well as being published in many journals and periodicals, her work has been widely anthologized in Canada – most noticeably in The Journey Prize Anthology – and abroad. Linda has also acted as guest editor for a young adult issue of Prairie Fire Magazine, for which was she awarded the Vicky Metcalf Short Story Editor Award. She has been the recipient of many honours and awards for her young adult work.
Linda has been a member of the Manitoba Artists in the Schools Program and CANSCAIP, toured with the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, acted as a mentor in the Manitoba Writers’ Guild Mentor Program, taught creative writing through the University of Winnipeg’s Continuing Education, served on many juries, including the Governor-General’s Award for Children’s Literature, and created and facilitated numerous writing workshops on many aspects of the writing process to both students and adults nationally and internationally. She held a nine-month term as Writer-in-Residence at the Millennium Library in Winnipeg, and served on the editorial advisory board for Turnstone Press and on the board of the Manitoba Writers Guild. She is a member of The Writers Union of Canada.
Linda holds a BA in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Winnipeg, a BEd in Early Childhood Education and MEd in Educational Psychology from the University of Manitoba.
She currently lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Source: http://www.lindaholeman.com/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
November 2, 2022
the writing is immaculate but sometimes it did get a lil bit boring plotwise but it is a me problem
June 18, 2021
A favorite author of mine. I have read several books by her. Her books are hard to get and I don't know why. She is from Canada and I not sure that has anything to do with getting her books.
Love her writing style and I just get lost in these kind of stories.
The story, that takes place in Russia, is mainly about Antonina a daughter of nobility and high means.
Her story which involves love interests of 2 men, the kidnapping of her son for money, her husbands sickness and death and her childhood friend who is her personal maid. The characters are not as you think they are. That's what makes the story interesting.
There is intrigue, mystery, romance and the history of Russia at the time, intertwined in the story.
The ending surprised me but there was a glimmer of hope for a happy ending for all.
Love her writing style and I just get lost in these kind of stories.
The story, that takes place in Russia, is mainly about Antonina a daughter of nobility and high means.
Her story which involves love interests of 2 men, the kidnapping of her son for money, her husbands sickness and death and her childhood friend who is her personal maid. The characters are not as you think they are. That's what makes the story interesting.
There is intrigue, mystery, romance and the history of Russia at the time, intertwined in the story.
The ending surprised me but there was a glimmer of hope for a happy ending for all.
July 9, 2012
This book was an impulse buy from Wal-Mart (30% off books’ cover prices, woohoo!), but I’m so glad I did it because I fell in love with it! What interested me was the fact that it took place in 1860′s Russia. I am really enjoying European historical fiction lately, particularly the 1500-1800s, so when I saw this book, I knew I wanted it right away. It was a bit risky since I didn’t know anything about the author and it is such a new book that there are hardly any reviews on it on Goodreads, but I took the chance and it turned out to be an amazing read.
The story takes place in 1860s Russia, under the reign of Tsar Alexander II. Russia is experiencing a social revolution during this time period thanks to the Emancipation Reform of 1861, which meant that many serfs were allowed their freedom and granted the rights of a full citizen of Russia.
The entire novel revolves around this one event: the Count and Countess of Angelkov’s son is kidnapped from them by their ex-serfs (though they don’t know who did it for a while; they thought it was the Cossacks). Even though serfdom was abolished, many were still landless, poor peasants and their situation did not improve one bit; many harbored resentment towards their former masters and now acted on their feelings. Antonina, the Countess, slowly spirals into despair, becoming an alcoholic. The Count falls ill and becomes of no use to Antonina and the entire estate slowly heads toward bankruptcy. Other characters include Lilya, Antonina’s maid who is in love with Antonina and is jealous of anyone who seems to have her mistress’ affections; Grisha, the steward of the estate who regrets being involved with the kidnapping scheme greatly; and Valentin, an attractive and talented violinist who befriends the Countess during her time of crisis.
A great chunk of the book is devoted to exploring the back stories of each of the main characters. At first I felt a bit like the story was a tad disjointed because there is such a significant amount of writing devoted to explaining each character and how they came to live at Angelkov, so soon after the beginning. I suppose what I wanted was for the back stories to blend in with the story a little better: it felt like the book consisted of “kidnapping (50 pages) — backstories (200 pages) — resume kidnapping story (200 pages)”. However, each character has a very interesting story so it was a pleasant detour, if you can call it that. Actually, as I continued reading, I realized this book isn’t really about the kidnapping — it’s about the characters, and so, the so-called “detour” is actually vital to the story.
Even though I wanted the book to go back to the kidnapping story, I was not unhappy with reading about the individual characters’ pasts. Each one is so fascinating and it was really great to read about how the Emancipation Reform affected everyone on all levels. Freeing the serfs sounds great on paper, but many of them don’t feel any difference in their situation since they have no land or money anyway. They’ll have to just keep working for their master anyway. For the nobles, they begin to lose so many serfs that they can’t keep all their land, especially with the high land taxes the tsar has set, so they end up having to give away pieces of land anyway, and downsizing a lot. This book was such a great way for me to learn about this time period. Even though it is all fictional, its point is the unrest that followed such a social revolution affects everyone, and nobody comes out as a clear winner or loser.
The kidnapping is obviously what this whole novel revolves around, even though I didn’t feel like it was the focal point. The kidnapping felt more like the background on which all the characters are introduced to the reader. This is more of a character driven story, which I am usually not the biggest fan of (I’m very 50/50 on such stories), but this one had me sucked in and I was up reading this book until the wee hours of the morning. Of course, the kidnapping did provide a very exciting element to the story. The whole time I wondered if Antonina would get her son back or not, if she would ever be reunited with him. So even though this is a character driven story, I think it can be rather plot driven as well!
I highly recommend this book, it’s a great novel and I felt it was written in a very engaging and easy-to-read manner. Such a great book!
The story takes place in 1860s Russia, under the reign of Tsar Alexander II. Russia is experiencing a social revolution during this time period thanks to the Emancipation Reform of 1861, which meant that many serfs were allowed their freedom and granted the rights of a full citizen of Russia.
The entire novel revolves around this one event: the Count and Countess of Angelkov’s son is kidnapped from them by their ex-serfs (though they don’t know who did it for a while; they thought it was the Cossacks). Even though serfdom was abolished, many were still landless, poor peasants and their situation did not improve one bit; many harbored resentment towards their former masters and now acted on their feelings. Antonina, the Countess, slowly spirals into despair, becoming an alcoholic. The Count falls ill and becomes of no use to Antonina and the entire estate slowly heads toward bankruptcy. Other characters include Lilya, Antonina’s maid who is in love with Antonina and is jealous of anyone who seems to have her mistress’ affections; Grisha, the steward of the estate who regrets being involved with the kidnapping scheme greatly; and Valentin, an attractive and talented violinist who befriends the Countess during her time of crisis.
A great chunk of the book is devoted to exploring the back stories of each of the main characters. At first I felt a bit like the story was a tad disjointed because there is such a significant amount of writing devoted to explaining each character and how they came to live at Angelkov, so soon after the beginning. I suppose what I wanted was for the back stories to blend in with the story a little better: it felt like the book consisted of “kidnapping (50 pages) — backstories (200 pages) — resume kidnapping story (200 pages)”. However, each character has a very interesting story so it was a pleasant detour, if you can call it that. Actually, as I continued reading, I realized this book isn’t really about the kidnapping — it’s about the characters, and so, the so-called “detour” is actually vital to the story.
Even though I wanted the book to go back to the kidnapping story, I was not unhappy with reading about the individual characters’ pasts. Each one is so fascinating and it was really great to read about how the Emancipation Reform affected everyone on all levels. Freeing the serfs sounds great on paper, but many of them don’t feel any difference in their situation since they have no land or money anyway. They’ll have to just keep working for their master anyway. For the nobles, they begin to lose so many serfs that they can’t keep all their land, especially with the high land taxes the tsar has set, so they end up having to give away pieces of land anyway, and downsizing a lot. This book was such a great way for me to learn about this time period. Even though it is all fictional, its point is the unrest that followed such a social revolution affects everyone, and nobody comes out as a clear winner or loser.
The kidnapping is obviously what this whole novel revolves around, even though I didn’t feel like it was the focal point. The kidnapping felt more like the background on which all the characters are introduced to the reader. This is more of a character driven story, which I am usually not the biggest fan of (I’m very 50/50 on such stories), but this one had me sucked in and I was up reading this book until the wee hours of the morning. Of course, the kidnapping did provide a very exciting element to the story. The whole time I wondered if Antonina would get her son back or not, if she would ever be reunited with him. So even though this is a character driven story, I think it can be rather plot driven as well!
I highly recommend this book, it’s a great novel and I felt it was written in a very engaging and easy-to-read manner. Such a great book!
September 10, 2012
3.5 stars, bumped up to 4 on GR system.
Won from Goodreads Firstreads.
Pro:
- Have read very little fiction set in Russia so this was a welcome new environment
- Story opens with a kidnapping, written in present tense which gives the scene a lot of urgency and empathy for the characters. Present tense then alternated with past tense for flashback scenes of various POV characters, through whom the reader gains a vivid picture of what it was like to live in the strictly class-divided world with tiny group of aristocracy/landowners (at the top), much smaller group of skilled artisans in the middle (technically freedmen but always dependent on the precarious whim of the upper classes), and the vast ocean of serfs at the bottom (bought, inherited, and sold just as slaves were historically in other parts of the world).
- Arguably the most interesting and thought-provoking aspect of the novel is the protrayal of different characters' reactions to the break-up of the old system following the Tsar's declaration of emancipation of the serfs.
- Liked that in the epilogue, things didn't get tied up with a neat little bow for all characters.
Con:
- As is to be expected in a novel dealing with themes of peasant exploitation, gender inequality, harsh climate, alcoholism, and kidnapping, there is a lot of dark and depressing stuff going on. This made sense for the time period and inciting incident of the story. Here's my "but": this is not a short novel. 500+ pages of what feels like unrelenting grimness is a bit much. IMHO the novel would have benefitted from a more up and down in the dramatic tension. There are not nearly enough moments of brief relief from despair of one sort or another. It was exhausting.
- Though there are a number of POV characters, the characters through whose eyes most of the story is told is the noblewoman whose 10-year-old son is abducted. Despite being born a princess with attendant material privileges, her life is not easy. She is burdened with absent and/or non-understanding parents and stifled by the strictures of her class and gender. Nowhere is her frustration more clear than in the immediate aftermath of the kidnapping, when it becomes clear that her husband's casual, sexist dismissal of her views has not only contributed to the crisis, but blocked possible correction as well.
And yet, even though there is much in her life that elicits sympathy in the reader, the more frequent reaction to her choices and actions (or, sometimes more significantly, lack thereof) was impatience with her Poor-Little-Rich-Girl demeanour. She had difficulties, yes, but they could not compare to the out-and-out misery of the life of a serf, as exemplified in this story who the character who ultimately becomes her ladies maid. Because of this, and her continuation right up to the end to command all around her and insist on her superiority to them as mere 'servants' (i.e. very little character arc until the very, very end), my main interest as a reader shifted from her to the ladies maid and the steward of the estate. If that was the intention of the author, then this particular "con" should actually be listed above with the "pro" points. If , however the intention of the author was to keep the focus on the noblewoman, it did not succeed for me.
The Big Question: did this novel make me want to read other titles by this new-to-me author?
Yes. Despite some of the points mentioned above, ultimately the book was well-written and made me keep turning pages to see what would happen next. I will look out for more from Ms. Holeman
Won from Goodreads Firstreads.
Pro:
- Have read very little fiction set in Russia so this was a welcome new environment
- Story opens with a kidnapping, written in present tense which gives the scene a lot of urgency and empathy for the characters. Present tense then alternated with past tense for flashback scenes of various POV characters, through whom the reader gains a vivid picture of what it was like to live in the strictly class-divided world with tiny group of aristocracy/landowners (at the top), much smaller group of skilled artisans in the middle (technically freedmen but always dependent on the precarious whim of the upper classes), and the vast ocean of serfs at the bottom (bought, inherited, and sold just as slaves were historically in other parts of the world).
- Arguably the most interesting and thought-provoking aspect of the novel is the protrayal of different characters' reactions to the break-up of the old system following the Tsar's declaration of emancipation of the serfs.
- Liked that in the epilogue, things didn't get tied up with a neat little bow for all characters.
Con:
- As is to be expected in a novel dealing with themes of peasant exploitation, gender inequality, harsh climate, alcoholism, and kidnapping, there is a lot of dark and depressing stuff going on. This made sense for the time period and inciting incident of the story. Here's my "but": this is not a short novel. 500+ pages of what feels like unrelenting grimness is a bit much. IMHO the novel would have benefitted from a more up and down in the dramatic tension. There are not nearly enough moments of brief relief from despair of one sort or another. It was exhausting.
- Though there are a number of POV characters, the characters through whose eyes most of the story is told is the noblewoman whose 10-year-old son is abducted. Despite being born a princess with attendant material privileges, her life is not easy. She is burdened with absent and/or non-understanding parents and stifled by the strictures of her class and gender. Nowhere is her frustration more clear than in the immediate aftermath of the kidnapping, when it becomes clear that her husband's casual, sexist dismissal of her views has not only contributed to the crisis, but blocked possible correction as well.
And yet, even though there is much in her life that elicits sympathy in the reader, the more frequent reaction to her choices and actions (or, sometimes more significantly, lack thereof) was impatience with her Poor-Little-Rich-Girl demeanour. She had difficulties, yes, but they could not compare to the out-and-out misery of the life of a serf, as exemplified in this story who the character who ultimately becomes her ladies maid. Because of this, and her continuation right up to the end to command all around her and insist on her superiority to them as mere 'servants' (i.e. very little character arc until the very, very end), my main interest as a reader shifted from her to the ladies maid and the steward of the estate. If that was the intention of the author, then this particular "con" should actually be listed above with the "pro" points. If , however the intention of the author was to keep the focus on the noblewoman, it did not succeed for me.
The Big Question: did this novel make me want to read other titles by this new-to-me author?
Yes. Despite some of the points mentioned above, ultimately the book was well-written and made me keep turning pages to see what would happen next. I will look out for more from Ms. Holeman
February 18, 2014
An absorbing tale of upheaval and social change in Russian in the 1860s. I liked the way that pieces of music were used throughout to evoke particular moments in history and in the plot. Linda Holeman never disappoints and I'm waiting for the next one from this author.
January 31, 2017
I love Linda Holeman, but this book was my least favorite of the several I have read. It was just too dramatic and I was very disappointed. My very favorite of her books was, The Linnet Bird and this book did not measure up. I still have a couple more of her books to read, and look forward to another ,Woman Survives story.
August 24, 2012
The second half of the nineteenth century was a creative time of change and turmoil in Russia, with powerful writing, the freeing of the serfs and the rise of a flourishing musical culture. Yet for many of the women and men caught up in these years, upheaval could bring huge uncertainties and social tensions. Linda Holeman traces the impact of such change in a large rural estate, Angelkov, many miles away from the governing circles in St. Petersburg and Moscow.
This is a solid novel, like others Holeman has written, with vivid characters and a strong plot line, all drawn together on the basis of first-hand research and well-written prose. The start of the novel is especially powerful -- three horsemen ride out of the woods, violently assault the Count of the estate, and kidnap his 10-year-old son. That sets off the main plot-line of the book -- can the child be retrieved and why has he been taken? That, in turn, takes us to his mother, the young Countess, who is devastated -- and whose history is traced, providing much insight, and connecting to a young serf woman who became her friend and then was exiled for having such social contact. Lilya, in turn, provides insight into serf life. The story then revolves to a great extent around the mother and the tragedy that unfolds for her as the kidnap process continues. Lilya plays a key role in the resolution of the plot, as does Grisha, the steward of the estate.
Beyond this fundamental plot, there is also much in this book about music, particularly composer Mikhail Glinka, and the serf orchestras that existed in mid-century Russia. For some readers, there may also be a bit too much melodrama in this book. But this weakness is overshadowed for me by the interesting social commentary that Holeman provides on the Russia of a particularly significant time.
This is a solid novel, like others Holeman has written, with vivid characters and a strong plot line, all drawn together on the basis of first-hand research and well-written prose. The start of the novel is especially powerful -- three horsemen ride out of the woods, violently assault the Count of the estate, and kidnap his 10-year-old son. That sets off the main plot-line of the book -- can the child be retrieved and why has he been taken? That, in turn, takes us to his mother, the young Countess, who is devastated -- and whose history is traced, providing much insight, and connecting to a young serf woman who became her friend and then was exiled for having such social contact. Lilya, in turn, provides insight into serf life. The story then revolves to a great extent around the mother and the tragedy that unfolds for her as the kidnap process continues. Lilya plays a key role in the resolution of the plot, as does Grisha, the steward of the estate.
Beyond this fundamental plot, there is also much in this book about music, particularly composer Mikhail Glinka, and the serf orchestras that existed in mid-century Russia. For some readers, there may also be a bit too much melodrama in this book. But this weakness is overshadowed for me by the interesting social commentary that Holeman provides on the Russia of a particularly significant time.
September 20, 2012
More like 3.5 stars.
I wish I could've liked this book better. It's a historical novel about Russia, specifically the period following the emanicipation of the serfs in the 1860s, it's well-thought out, it definitely immerses you in a different time and place and all but one of the characters are compelling. Except that one character is a biggie. It's the heroine.
SPOILERS AHEAD: The 10-year-old son of Antonina Mitlovsky is kidnapped off the estate (named Angelkov)at the start of the story, so she drinks vodka. Actually she's already drinking because she's sad about something. Her husband falls seriously ill shortly thereafter, so she drinks. Further on, she has a one-night stand, feels guilty and--guess what--drinks. As her woes pile up, she swills back more vodka and then looks beseechingly at her steward, "Whatever shall I do?" Scarlett O'Hara brandishing carrots, she ain't.
Okay, it's easy to be nasty, so I'll stop. Well, one other thing. A 'verst' is a Russian unit of length, equivalent to a kilometre. It is NOT a measure of area. The steward cannot own 12 versts of land. The estate is not thousands of versts in size. Desiastina (2.7 acres)is the unit for area. Okay, rant done.
I'm reminded of historical romance author Mary Balogh who urged writers to get their facts straight. 'Because if you don't, you'll be told.' (paraphrasing) I guess this is one of those times, Ms. Holeman.
I wish I could've liked this book better. It's a historical novel about Russia, specifically the period following the emanicipation of the serfs in the 1860s, it's well-thought out, it definitely immerses you in a different time and place and all but one of the characters are compelling. Except that one character is a biggie. It's the heroine.
SPOILERS AHEAD: The 10-year-old son of Antonina Mitlovsky is kidnapped off the estate (named Angelkov)at the start of the story, so she drinks vodka. Actually she's already drinking because she's sad about something. Her husband falls seriously ill shortly thereafter, so she drinks. Further on, she has a one-night stand, feels guilty and--guess what--drinks. As her woes pile up, she swills back more vodka and then looks beseechingly at her steward, "Whatever shall I do?" Scarlett O'Hara brandishing carrots, she ain't.
Okay, it's easy to be nasty, so I'll stop. Well, one other thing. A 'verst' is a Russian unit of length, equivalent to a kilometre. It is NOT a measure of area. The steward cannot own 12 versts of land. The estate is not thousands of versts in size. Desiastina (2.7 acres)is the unit for area. Okay, rant done.
I'm reminded of historical romance author Mary Balogh who urged writers to get their facts straight. 'Because if you don't, you'll be told.' (paraphrasing) I guess this is one of those times, Ms. Holeman.
September 5, 2012
I have loved all of Linda Holeman's books - they are all historical novels and as well as being a good story teller, she is able to teach the reader about life in a different country.
This book is especially intriguing because it takes place in Russia in the 1860's at a time of big change both socially and politically. I haven't read much about Russia and so this has helped to broaden my views of what I tend to think of that country.
The Czar, Alexander II has just declared freedom for all the serfs. This has put most big landowners in a quandery in terms of losing their help or now having to pay for help. This story follows Antonina, a young woman who is forced to marry a large landowner, a wealthy man who is old enough to be her father. Even though she is Countess of the Estate, she is lonely in a loveless marriage.
Antonina's world falls completely apart when their young son is abducted by a group of recently freed and revengeful serfs. He is being held for a large ransom. Even though money is given for his return, he is still not returned. During the abduction, Antonina's elderly husband is injured and can't seem to recover, both physically and emotionally.
There is also a tender love story told when Antonina recognizes the strength of character and youth of one of their freed serfs. I became totally engrossed in this book to the very end. The ending isn't all neatly wrapped up, which makes it feel more real.
This book is especially intriguing because it takes place in Russia in the 1860's at a time of big change both socially and politically. I haven't read much about Russia and so this has helped to broaden my views of what I tend to think of that country.
The Czar, Alexander II has just declared freedom for all the serfs. This has put most big landowners in a quandery in terms of losing their help or now having to pay for help. This story follows Antonina, a young woman who is forced to marry a large landowner, a wealthy man who is old enough to be her father. Even though she is Countess of the Estate, she is lonely in a loveless marriage.
Antonina's world falls completely apart when their young son is abducted by a group of recently freed and revengeful serfs. He is being held for a large ransom. Even though money is given for his return, he is still not returned. During the abduction, Antonina's elderly husband is injured and can't seem to recover, both physically and emotionally.
There is also a tender love story told when Antonina recognizes the strength of character and youth of one of their freed serfs. I became totally engrossed in this book to the very end. The ending isn't all neatly wrapped up, which makes it feel more real.
October 14, 2012
3.5 stars.
I love Linda Holeman and I love her books. I've bought all of them and I even bought more copies of her fist 2 books, to give way to friends.
What I loved about this book was the writing and that it was set in Russia.
Normally in her books the main character travels a lot but this time we stayed in Russia. She is very good at describing the characters. You really get to know them and that is also the case in this book.
The thing was, I did not love it as much as I hoped and am used to with her novels.
Looking at other reviews because I could not put the finger on why, at the end it got a bit tedious for me to read, I found the answer.
It was a bit too much despair and misunderstanding and suffering. I think that was the problem for me. I love dark books but this one was constantly dark. Hardly any other moments.
Also a little bit too many coincidences.
Spoiler Ahead!!!
Main character meets a violist when she is young and then many years later it so happens that he is performing at her neighbours house. Okay that can happen.
But that was not all.
main character had a steward and he has (deliberately) lost his brother when he was little. Yes you guessed it, violist happens to be his brother.
I still recommend this book if you like historical fiction and can enjoy a dark book. Can't wait to find out where her next book is going to be about. (which country) ;)
3.5 stars but will set it on 4 on goodreads.
I love Linda Holeman and I love her books. I've bought all of them and I even bought more copies of her fist 2 books, to give way to friends.
What I loved about this book was the writing and that it was set in Russia.
Normally in her books the main character travels a lot but this time we stayed in Russia. She is very good at describing the characters. You really get to know them and that is also the case in this book.
The thing was, I did not love it as much as I hoped and am used to with her novels.
Looking at other reviews because I could not put the finger on why, at the end it got a bit tedious for me to read, I found the answer.
It was a bit too much despair and misunderstanding and suffering. I think that was the problem for me. I love dark books but this one was constantly dark. Hardly any other moments.
Also a little bit too many coincidences.
Spoiler Ahead!!!
Main character meets a violist when she is young and then many years later it so happens that he is performing at her neighbours house. Okay that can happen.
But that was not all.
main character had a steward and he has (deliberately) lost his brother when he was little. Yes you guessed it, violist happens to be his brother.
I still recommend this book if you like historical fiction and can enjoy a dark book. Can't wait to find out where her next book is going to be about. (which country) ;)
3.5 stars but will set it on 4 on goodreads.
July 11, 2012
This was a great read, I can not believe that I did not see it coming, the twist at the end. Antonina grow up as nobility and kind of a tom boyish, meets Lilya as a girl and the two become friends. Antonina father thinks she is seeing a peasant boy buts its Lilya, Antonina lies about it, her father finds out the truth and sends Lilya and her brother Lyosha away. Antonina is married off to Konstantin who is much older, they have one child Mikhail, who is stolen. Grisha who is the steward on the estate, runs away from his home as a 15 year old when he was suppose to be going after his brother, that the dad gave away to a maestro because of his musical ability. Things get crazy as Konstantin is dying, Grisha and Antonina sleep together one night, Grisha was involved in Mikail's kidnapping and along with Lilya's husband. Antonina befriends Valentin and serf musician, Valentin turns out to be Grisha's long lost brother, Lilya kills Valentin out of jealously for Antonina, Grisha, Lilya and Lyosha go and get Mikail from kidnappers but Soso and Grisha are arrested because Lilya tips off the police. Grisha goes back to Siberia, Lilya goes into a covenant and Antonina, Mikail and Lysosha and his wife move to St Petersburg.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2012
Linda Holeman's new masterpiece "The Lost Souls of Angelkov" is a compelling look at 19th century Russia at a time when the serfs are given their freedom by Czar Alexander II.
Novels about Russia tend to be tragic and this novel is no exception.
Countess Antonina Konstantin's young son has been kidnapped by a disgruntled group of freed serfs and is being held for ransom. Her elderly husband, who was severely injured during the incident, is slowly dying. While their estate crumbles around them and she pines for her son, Antonina finds solace in the vodka their distillery produces, causing her own health and sense of reality to slowly deteriorate.
Her one hope for happiness lies in the hands of their enigmatic estate steward, but his own life is not without complications. Complications that can easily lead to further disaster for all the lost souls of Angelkov.
This is the fifth novel I have read by Linda Holeman. She just gets better and better with each one. Love her writing.
Novels about Russia tend to be tragic and this novel is no exception.
Countess Antonina Konstantin's young son has been kidnapped by a disgruntled group of freed serfs and is being held for ransom. Her elderly husband, who was severely injured during the incident, is slowly dying. While their estate crumbles around them and she pines for her son, Antonina finds solace in the vodka their distillery produces, causing her own health and sense of reality to slowly deteriorate.
Her one hope for happiness lies in the hands of their enigmatic estate steward, but his own life is not without complications. Complications that can easily lead to further disaster for all the lost souls of Angelkov.
This is the fifth novel I have read by Linda Holeman. She just gets better and better with each one. Love her writing.
August 2, 2012
I love, love, love, Linda Holeman! I always told myself that I didn't like historical fiction. I need to modify that statement. I cannot abide contrived historical novels written by ungifted writers. Each one of Linda Holeman's books have given me a glimpse into another time, country, and culture. I am always wholly present and never feel that I am being shown the highlights in 30 minutes by a cheap tour guide spouting trivialities from a worn out script. I could taste the cold and suffering in this book. I was in Russia in the mid 19th Century. It felt neither contrived or over the top. Thank you Linda Holeman for another splendid read.
July 19, 2012
This was a bit of a disappointment.. The character of Antonia is weak, mindless and rather unreal. However the story was OK, I found it a bit dull. It just took too long. I was waiting for her to stop drinking the damn wodka, jump on a horse and go find her son!
shortlist
August 18, 2017I won a copy of this through FirstReads!
January 6, 2013
I always enjoy Ms. Holeman's books. There were a couple of things near the end that were a little too much but overall it was great. Some great characters and I like how she ended it.
August 1, 2015
An insightful read into Russia of the 1860s with well-crafted characters. Amazing read..
June 26, 2017
Fantastic book. This was my first book from this author and I will make sure I read her other novels, as I really like the author's writing style. Her characters are engaging and complex, the story is rich in historical details about the life of serfs, servants and nobles during the Serf Emancipation in Russia, mid-19th century. There is continued tension in this book. It is impossible to put the book down as you want to know what happens next.
The story is simple in a way: a child is kidnapped one day, while riding with his father. His father, the Count Mitlovsky, is injured during the altercation with the kidnappers and becomes very sick. The mother, Antonina, is a determined, lonely young woman who is overprotective of her son and falls into a deep depression, fueled by heavy drinking. The relationship between husband and wive is poor, due to age difference and lack of understanding and communication. To this, add a maid who is peculiar in her romantic interest and an estate manager with secrets, whose involvement in the kidnappings leads to dire consequences.
Brilliant book. I highly recommend it to people interested in history, especially Russian, in search of a well written, good story with suspense.
The story is simple in a way: a child is kidnapped one day, while riding with his father. His father, the Count Mitlovsky, is injured during the altercation with the kidnappers and becomes very sick. The mother, Antonina, is a determined, lonely young woman who is overprotective of her son and falls into a deep depression, fueled by heavy drinking. The relationship between husband and wive is poor, due to age difference and lack of understanding and communication. To this, add a maid who is peculiar in her romantic interest and an estate manager with secrets, whose involvement in the kidnappings leads to dire consequences.
Brilliant book. I highly recommend it to people interested in history, especially Russian, in search of a well written, good story with suspense.
September 2, 2018
Difficult for me to understand why Antonina is so utterly helpless. Even as a female with an aristocratic upbringing, she should have had some backbone. The "help me, help me, I'm so weak" stuff is just so hard to believe for so many years and so many pages. Her musical ability is equated with dreaminess and more weakness. Grisha is made of sterner stuff. You'd think he'd be attracted by someone with strength, energy, fearlessness. But alas, no. The info about the society of serfs and the handling of their freeing is perhaps the most interesting aspect of this book. But I think I would like to have seen that from a serf's point of view. So there's Lilya, whose lesbian tendancies lead to her utter madness; Sosa, whose an angry, vengeful pig; Gleb, also an angry vengeful pig. Did the Tsar think about how this was going to play out? Was the whole prospect just so radically unplanned? Not a terribly satisfying book from either the character or the plot lines.
March 26, 2018
4.5* simply because I am selfish and wanted just a slightly different ending otherwise would have been 5* again. I was extra sad to finish this one...not just because it was so darn good like all the others, but because I have now also finished all of Linda's adult novels that are in print. Her work astounds me. Please write more soon!
November 11, 2023
This story is full of intrigue, mystery and romance while giving us the history of Russia in the 1860’s as well.
Countess Antonia’s 10 year old son has been kidnapped by a disgruntled group of freed serfs and is being held for ransom. As well her elderly husband who was injured during the incident is also dying. She finds that drinking vodka is helping her deal with both incidents but it also is causing her health to deteriorate.
This book is engaging and complex. I really liked the author’s writing style. This story is rich in historical details of the lives of the serfs, servants and nobles during the Serf Emancipation in Russia.
Countess Antonia’s 10 year old son has been kidnapped by a disgruntled group of freed serfs and is being held for ransom. As well her elderly husband who was injured during the incident is also dying. She finds that drinking vodka is helping her deal with both incidents but it also is causing her health to deteriorate.
This book is engaging and complex. I really liked the author’s writing style. This story is rich in historical details of the lives of the serfs, servants and nobles during the Serf Emancipation in Russia.
July 23, 2025
I am rereading her books back to back, as I did with Kate Morton (which ruined Morton for me forever). Yes, she did use themes i recognized from The Linnet Bird (the loveless marriage, addiction, a beloved son), but she branched out so much better than Kate Morton did. Holeman is the Queen of the Sense of Place. Looking forward to The Saffron Gate.
April 18, 2019
3.5 stars. Great to read some h.fic (what the kids are calling it these days) about a super interesting time in Russian history that tends to fall the wayside amongst all the books about the Russian Revolution. Book itself was aight
July 11, 2021
Right now this one wasn't for me. Personally, I could not sympathize with the characters. Maybe in a few years I will try and read it again and I will like it. Because I'd like to always give books I don't really like a second chance :)
August 15, 2017
Intriguing plot with many different sub-plots!
April 12, 2018
Another brilliant book by one of my favourite authors. A lovely read
September 2, 2018
Loved the story and the writing. Looking forward to reading other books by this author
May 29, 2019
Excellent writer of historical fiction. This is a new author for me, and I finished the book in four days, just couldn't put it down and now want to read her other books.
June 27, 2020
A wonderful evocation of place: Russia at the time of the Emanicipation of the serfs.
December 23, 2020
3.5 stars. Interesting glimpse of Russian history.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews