From Newbury With Love: Letters of Friendship Across the Iron Curtain

by Anna Horsbrugh-Porter (Editor), Marina Aidova (Editor)

In 1971 a retired English bookseller joined an Amnesty International campaign to write letters to children of political prisoners. He chose seven-year-old Marina Aidova because her birthday was one day before his, and he had always loved Russia and its literature. His postcard was signed, "With love from Newbury, Berks, England." Marina, whose father was in one of the harshest Soviet prison camps, wrote "I am a first class schoolgirl. I learn ballet and study English. And what are you?" So began a correspondence that changed their lives. For the next fifteen years they exchanged letters, telegrams, magazines, and books . . . while a profound affection grew. Marina and her mother drew great strength from the exchange-it was a lifeline to another, more hopeful world. Through Harold's encouragement, Marina was inspired to study English at university, and eventually went on to work as an English translator. Published in association with Amnesty International, the families' correspondence-along with over thirty photos they exchanged-is collected here, making for a moving look at the powerful influence one family can have on another in need, halfway around the world. Anna Horsbrugh-Porter is a radio producer who has worked for the BBC World Service, BBC Radio Four, and independent production companies. Marina Aidova works as an English translator for international organizations including the IMF.

Genres: Nonfiction

258 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Melville House Publishing · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1971 a retired English bookseller joined an Amnesty International campaign to write letters to children of political prisoners. He chose seven-year-old Marina Aidova because her birthday was one day before his, and he had always loved Russia and its literature. His postcard was signed, "With love from Newbury, Berks, England." Marina, whose father was in one of the harshest Soviet prison camps, wrote back: "I am a first class schoolgirl. I learn ballet and study English. And what are you?"

So began a correspondence that changed their lives. For the next fifteen years they exchanged letters, telegrams, magazines, and books . . . while a profound affection grew. Marina and her mother drew great strength from the exchange-it was a lifeline to another, more hopeful world. Through Harold's encouragement, Marina was inspired to study English at university, and eventually went on to work as an English translator.

Published in association with Amnesty International, the families' correspondence-along with over thirty photos they exchanged-is collected here, making for a moving look at the powerful influence one family can have on another in need, halfway around the world.

[Chana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of letters exchanged between an older English couple and a young Russian family. The exchange starts when Slava, the father in the Russian family is jailed for attempting to acquire a printing machine. He is jailed for this political crime for 5 years. While Slava is imprisoned, Harold Edwards in England joins an Amnesty International campaign to write letters to children of political prisoners. He writes to Marina Aidova, 7 years old, daughter of Slava and Lera Aidova. This letter starts an exchange of letters, packages and friendship between the Edward's family and the Aidova family that spans the next 20+ years and may even continue to this day for all I know, although Harold and his wife Olive passed away in the 1980's and Marina Aidova is now a grown woman with children over her own.
Although I felt that Slava never truly recovered from his time in the jail I did not feel that his family was "desperate". They were intellectual, employed, educated, healthy in their relationships with each other, and lived a life that was middle-class in many ways with yearly family vacations and money to buy books and goodies for their pen-pals in England and to post them. Of course, as Marina explains, the Russian system of exchange at that time ran on "blat" (who you knew who had influence and connections) as things were cheap but goods were scarce. The KGB was a constant irritant and danger, but as long as you didn't chafe too much (like trying to get a printing press in order to write your (subversive) opinion) it seemed you could get along alright, at least if you were not religious or didn't stand out in some way. I am not trying to minimize what Slava and his family went through while he was imprisoned, that must have been a very, very difficult time for them. And I am sure that the communication and gifts from England were to sort of lifeline for Lera (Marina's mother) at this time. I think that the friendship provided both families with comfort and love. And that is mainly what this book is about; it is a tribute to Harold and Olive Edwards from Marina Aidova with love and gratitude.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This particular book was brilliantly published through the efforts of Amnesty International and British radio producer Anna Horsbrugh-Porter, and the accounts provided by IMF (Int'l Monetary Fund) translator Marina Aidova. The title itself is pretty much self explanatory, spanning over 2 decades of correspondence between a retired British bookseller and the Soviet wife and daughter (Aidova) of an imprisoned dissenter, who was perhaps falsely accused of wrong doing; however, their exchange of letters had a much deeper affect within the boundaries of Cold War-Era Europe and along the way, both unique different sides, share a common interest in literature and culture. Personally, I enjoyed reading most of these letters and it's like holding a key and unlocking the door of humanity and intimacy based on Aidova's story. I recommend this book to anyone who is studying 20th Century/Eastern European history or just wish to inquire more about AI and their continual mission in preserving and defending human rights.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book. In 1971 a retired book seller from England joined an Amnesty International project to write to the children of political prisoners. He selected a seven-year old girl in the USSR. So began a friendship shared in letters between two families that lasted over fifteen years. Though the couple who began the letter writing have passed away, their children and the family in Russia contine the friendship still today.
The majority of the book consists of the actual letters between these two families. There are a few pages written to fill in some blanks where too many letters were lost. Through these letters you get to follow two families who live in very different worlds but who care for each other without question.
I learned much about life behind the iron curtain through this book. I saw how friendships can encourage and shape the lives of those who share that friendship.
This was a very touching book that made me smile, laugh, cheer, feel sadness, and cry. I am very happy to have read it.

[Jeannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am very glad to have read it. It gave me an insight into life in both the USSR and England. The letters were written to share their lives with each other and in turn they shared them with the reader. I greatly enjoyed the few passages between the letters and the Afterword.

The letters were so formal as to be quite dry at times, but each revealed some intimate details about their lives that told me they were much more animated in real life. It was clear they had to be quite careful, lest the letter writing be stopped by the Russian government.

The opportunity to peek into the lives of these two families has been priceless.

[Kelsey Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

With real correspondence through lettere during the USSR to Newbury England, this tale seemed remarkable. It was very delightful, insightful and gave great pictures! I loved it, and felt like I gained a whole slew of friends. My only complaint that prevented a 5 star rating was that most of the book was stale bread dry. It did get many titles for classic Russian Literature though! WHOOP!

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet book and a very fast read (I'd suggest library rather than purchase). The cultural comments might mean more to someone with a background in Russian studies, but the book is really just a testament to humanity. Perfect for a plane ride or a rainy afternoon.

[Sorin Hadârcă · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is exciting to read a book written by a friend. The correspondence between a Brit and a Soviet Dissident brought back the memory of an unwanted past. Sometimes we, Moldovans, act like we were all born in '91 but it is important to remember and not let it happen again.

[Keriann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of letters that tell the story of how small things can make a big difference. Loved it!

[Elena · Rating 2 out of 5]

...will invite marina aidova to speak to us at Uni !!!...

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a tender book about a friendship across distances. Loved it.