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Don't Get Involved
Ukraine 2001 Dima, Alyona and Sasha, three street-kids with nothing but each other, stumble on a holdall full of cocaine belonging to the Mafia. This could be it. A way out.
Leonid, a Mafia hit man who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals, is sent to retrieve the cocaine and dispose of the children. They won't get far. Failure isn't an option.
Nadia, a naive expat is looking for a new beginning. She wasn't expecting this!
As their paths get tangled up in the biting cold of a ferocious winter in Kyiv all of them will need to find more strength and courage than they ever imagined they had if they are to survive.
What do you call on when you have nothing left to give?
Leonid, a Mafia hit man who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals, is sent to retrieve the cocaine and dispose of the children. They won't get far. Failure isn't an option.
Nadia, a naive expat is looking for a new beginning. She wasn't expecting this!
As their paths get tangled up in the biting cold of a ferocious winter in Kyiv all of them will need to find more strength and courage than they ever imagined they had if they are to survive.
What do you call on when you have nothing left to give?
380 pages, Paperback
Published October 6, 2019
34 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
F.J. Curlew
4 books19 followersWinner of the Federation of Writers (Scotland) short story competition, 2023.
Fiona is a Scottish writer who spent fifteen years teaching in international schools, before becoming ill and having to return home. Not one to remain idle, she turned to the Open University where she studied creative writing, completing both courses with distinction, and discovering a new passion. She has since written five books and finds it difficult to be content without a work in progress.
She is now writing in her given name of Fiona Curnow.
Fiona is a Scottish writer who spent fifteen years teaching in international schools, before becoming ill and having to return home. Not one to remain idle, she turned to the Open University where she studied creative writing, completing both courses with distinction, and discovering a new passion. She has since written five books and finds it difficult to be content without a work in progress.
She is now writing in her given name of Fiona Curnow.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 15, 2019
The events in Don’t Get Involved unfold over the course of a year with the book frequently switching points of view and timeline, the latter in sections entitled ‘Winter’, ‘Summer’ and ‘Autumn’. I’ll confess it took me a while to get to grips with the narrative structure and work out the order in which events were occurring.
The street-kids – Dima, and brother and sister, Sasha and Alyona – eke out a hand to mouth existence on the edge of Ukrainian society, living in dilapidated buildings and being drawn into illicit activities that bring them into contact with unsavoury individuals. Just how unsavoury becomes increasingly apparent as the book progresses. The streetwise Dima is the de facto leader of the trio. Sasha is very protective of his sister, Alyona, who possesses a sixth sense for danger and has a curious affinity with animals. Alyona’s instincts will prove pivotal in events towards the end of the book.
The reader gradually learns about the traumatic events in Nadia’s life that have caused her to seek a new start in Kiev. There she meets Artem and we see their relationship gradually develop. One very moving episode – a detour from the main storyline – is when Artem takes Nadia to visit his grandfather, Bogdan. The story Bogdan tells is a harrowing insight into Ukraine’s troubled history during Stalin’s rule. I did think it would make superb material for a book in its own right.
The author has a distinctive writing style characterised by the use of short sentences, often only a few words long. This certainly helps to create a sense of urgency and tension in some of the action scenes and to emphasise the confused thought processes of key characters.
The book provides a fascinating insight into Ukraine – its culture, food, music – and the city of Kiev in particular with its streets full of cafes, bars and street kiosks. I do think a glossary would be a useful addition to the book.
Don’t Get Involved combines elements of a thriller with an insight into the history and culture of Ukraine…and a dash of magical realism.
The street-kids – Dima, and brother and sister, Sasha and Alyona – eke out a hand to mouth existence on the edge of Ukrainian society, living in dilapidated buildings and being drawn into illicit activities that bring them into contact with unsavoury individuals. Just how unsavoury becomes increasingly apparent as the book progresses. The streetwise Dima is the de facto leader of the trio. Sasha is very protective of his sister, Alyona, who possesses a sixth sense for danger and has a curious affinity with animals. Alyona’s instincts will prove pivotal in events towards the end of the book.
The reader gradually learns about the traumatic events in Nadia’s life that have caused her to seek a new start in Kiev. There she meets Artem and we see their relationship gradually develop. One very moving episode – a detour from the main storyline – is when Artem takes Nadia to visit his grandfather, Bogdan. The story Bogdan tells is a harrowing insight into Ukraine’s troubled history during Stalin’s rule. I did think it would make superb material for a book in its own right.
The author has a distinctive writing style characterised by the use of short sentences, often only a few words long. This certainly helps to create a sense of urgency and tension in some of the action scenes and to emphasise the confused thought processes of key characters.
The book provides a fascinating insight into Ukraine – its culture, food, music – and the city of Kiev in particular with its streets full of cafes, bars and street kiosks. I do think a glossary would be a useful addition to the book.
Don’t Get Involved combines elements of a thriller with an insight into the history and culture of Ukraine…and a dash of magical realism.
April 25, 2021
Review also posted here: http://www.book-drunk.co.uk/2019/10/d...
Don't Get Involved is the second book I have read by F J Curlew having enjoyed her last novel, Dan Knew, back in 2017. As much as I liked Dan Knew, Don't Get Involved grabbed my attention more and I found it very difficult to put down, reading it in one sitting. It's a dark and often tense novel, written in a manner that I found very involving with short and snappy sentences charged with detail that drew me right in to the culture of Kyiv.
The narrative is told in alternating seasons, to begin with split between Summer and Winter. In the Winter, we meet the street kids, Dima, Sasha and Alyona, and we meet Leonid, the hitman who is after them. Having found a bag full of cocaine, the street kids don't know what to do with it but when they are discovered and Dima feels the threat of the people looking for them, they head on the run, where life is only going to get even more dangerous for the three of them. In the Summer, we meet Nadia who has arrived in Ukraine for her own secretive reasons and who wants to help, but doesn't know what she is getting herself into. She meets the mysterious Artem, who seems very protective of her straight away and they grow closer. Their story is another fascinating aspect to the novel.
One thing I particularly loved about Don't Get Involved was the way the author described every setting to build up such a vivid picture in my mind so I could picture every moment with ease. The author writes very atmospherically and her depiction of Ukraine came to life on the pages thanks to an illustrative writing style that made the bars, the food, the sights and the pure tension shine through. I found myself so engrossed in not only the stories of the street kids and Nadia, but also the Ukraine setting and the danger lurking within the streets.
This book was very tense! As danger grew close, the book stole my breath at times as I was lured in to a level where I was that engrossed in the book I was forgetting to breathe. I found it very compelling. The lives of Dima, Sasha and Alyona were fascinating, the struggles they were going through but also the choices they had made and just their feelings towards their safety and looking after each other. The love they shared was pure but also dangerous, as trying to protect each other's lives whilst not getting caught was a challenge. The bond between them was interesting and I found that the author developed each of their characters well during the course of the novel. Dima was more of the leader, and I suppose the main character, but it didn't stop me learning about and growing to care for the others.
Nadia's part to the book I really enjoyed. I was eager to learn more about her and the past that had drawn her to Ukraine. I was also very wary of Artem from the beginning and found it compelling seeing their friendship grow. Nadia's part in this book seemed, to begin with, quite contrasting with the street kids and a little bit like it didn't belong, which was at times confusing until the compassion she shows shone through and her role became clear. There was some light to the shade in Don't Get Involved, often through the chapters Nadia was involved in, and though this was at times an incredibly dark novel, it wasn't too grim.
Overall I was hooked on Don't Get Involved. It's the first book I have read in a while after a bad reading slump but it has definitely brought back my interest in reading whilst also setting a high bar for future books.
Don't Get Involved is the second book I have read by F J Curlew having enjoyed her last novel, Dan Knew, back in 2017. As much as I liked Dan Knew, Don't Get Involved grabbed my attention more and I found it very difficult to put down, reading it in one sitting. It's a dark and often tense novel, written in a manner that I found very involving with short and snappy sentences charged with detail that drew me right in to the culture of Kyiv.
The narrative is told in alternating seasons, to begin with split between Summer and Winter. In the Winter, we meet the street kids, Dima, Sasha and Alyona, and we meet Leonid, the hitman who is after them. Having found a bag full of cocaine, the street kids don't know what to do with it but when they are discovered and Dima feels the threat of the people looking for them, they head on the run, where life is only going to get even more dangerous for the three of them. In the Summer, we meet Nadia who has arrived in Ukraine for her own secretive reasons and who wants to help, but doesn't know what she is getting herself into. She meets the mysterious Artem, who seems very protective of her straight away and they grow closer. Their story is another fascinating aspect to the novel.
One thing I particularly loved about Don't Get Involved was the way the author described every setting to build up such a vivid picture in my mind so I could picture every moment with ease. The author writes very atmospherically and her depiction of Ukraine came to life on the pages thanks to an illustrative writing style that made the bars, the food, the sights and the pure tension shine through. I found myself so engrossed in not only the stories of the street kids and Nadia, but also the Ukraine setting and the danger lurking within the streets.
This book was very tense! As danger grew close, the book stole my breath at times as I was lured in to a level where I was that engrossed in the book I was forgetting to breathe. I found it very compelling. The lives of Dima, Sasha and Alyona were fascinating, the struggles they were going through but also the choices they had made and just their feelings towards their safety and looking after each other. The love they shared was pure but also dangerous, as trying to protect each other's lives whilst not getting caught was a challenge. The bond between them was interesting and I found that the author developed each of their characters well during the course of the novel. Dima was more of the leader, and I suppose the main character, but it didn't stop me learning about and growing to care for the others.
Nadia's part to the book I really enjoyed. I was eager to learn more about her and the past that had drawn her to Ukraine. I was also very wary of Artem from the beginning and found it compelling seeing their friendship grow. Nadia's part in this book seemed, to begin with, quite contrasting with the street kids and a little bit like it didn't belong, which was at times confusing until the compassion she shows shone through and her role became clear. There was some light to the shade in Don't Get Involved, often through the chapters Nadia was involved in, and though this was at times an incredibly dark novel, it wasn't too grim.
Overall I was hooked on Don't Get Involved. It's the first book I have read in a while after a bad reading slump but it has definitely brought back my interest in reading whilst also setting a high bar for future books.
October 18, 2019
★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
This book Kyiv, Ukraine in 2001, a time of unrest and change. The author lived there for awhile in 2001, and found her inspiration from that experience for this book. That gives it a level of authority, confidence, and authenticity than would probably have been present otherwise.
There are two stories that run throughout this book—there's a little bit of overlap here and there, but primarily, they're independent. The first of these focuses on three street kids (beggars) who come into possession of a very large amount of a controlled substance. This is easily one of the biggest things to happen in their young lives and will have a significant voice about whether they escape this life they're in or find themselves in something worse.
The other storyline focuses on a Scottish teacher, Nadia, who has just arrived to help meet the large educational meet they have. The tone and overall feel of this storyline is so different than the other that you may find yourself wondering why they're in the same novel—but given a little patience, you'll see why. Nadia is befriended by an Australian teacher in Kyiv for the same reason and she meets and is pursued a young Ukrainian man with plenty of charm.
It's not easy to see where this gives you a Crime Novel, but there is one here—just not the kind anyone's used to. I'm not sure I'd have given it that label, probably opting for "General Fiction" instead, but that's the way it's being marketed, and I can see it. There's also a flash of magical realism or fantasy (I could make the case for either label) but there's a foundation laid for it so that when the flash comes, it's easy to accept. This is typically the kind of thing that annoys me in Crime Fiction, but Curlew prepares for it well—and it's such a nice way for things to go, that I enjoyed it.
Back in February, I blogged about Seraphina's Lament by Sarah Chorn. It's a fantasy novel and nothing like this book at all. But much of it was inspired by the Holodomor—a genocide that took place in Ukraine in the 1930's. Part of Don't Get Involved's narrative is shaped by and reacts to the Holodomor. I never would have predicted that I'd read one book exposing me to this horrific time this year, much less, two widely divergent works. I'd be glad for this book for this reason alone.
None of these characters have easy lives—even those that chose to be in Kyiv. But there are moments of lightness and joy for all of them, as well as darker realities. It's a good reminder that there is joy to be found in all kinds of circumstances if you will look for them. One of the kids, in particular, is gifted at this.
There is one sex scene that is longer and far more detailed than is necessary, but otherwise, Curlew will let that happen behind closed doors. There are suggestions and hints about child prostitution, but nothing explicit—this is not done for exploitation, but to show the harsh conditions and the extreme actions these kids have to take to survive.
I will admit that I spent a lot of time early on wondering why I was reading this novel, while I liked the characters and was curious about their lives, I just didn't get the book. But it grew on me slowly and without me really noticing. Ultimately, I found it to be pretty effective and affecting and I was wholly invested in it. I'm not entirely certain I liked the way the storylines resolved, but that's just taste—and I'm pretty sure I would've complained if she'd gone that way.
I ended up enjoying this novel a lot more—and in more ways—than I expected to early on. The setting, characters and story are just different enough from what I usually get that I think it'll stick with me longer than some novels, too. I do recommend this to readers of all types for a change of pace and an exposure to things you won't easily find elsewhere.
My thanks to F J Curlew for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials (including the book) provided for it.
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
...Are you okay?'
'I will be. The first layer of gauze has been wrapped around the pain.'
'Gauze?'
'Grandpa said that grief was like a wound. Time was like a dressing. A piece of gauze. At first the blood, the pain, flows through. Then, as the dressing gets thicker and stronger the flow stems, until it can no longer be seen. Sometimes a scab breaks. The blood seeps through again with a memory, but the dressing holds. With time.'
This book Kyiv, Ukraine in 2001, a time of unrest and change. The author lived there for awhile in 2001, and found her inspiration from that experience for this book. That gives it a level of authority, confidence, and authenticity than would probably have been present otherwise.
There are two stories that run throughout this book—there's a little bit of overlap here and there, but primarily, they're independent. The first of these focuses on three street kids (beggars) who come into possession of a very large amount of a controlled substance. This is easily one of the biggest things to happen in their young lives and will have a significant voice about whether they escape this life they're in or find themselves in something worse.
The other storyline focuses on a Scottish teacher, Nadia, who has just arrived to help meet the large educational meet they have. The tone and overall feel of this storyline is so different than the other that you may find yourself wondering why they're in the same novel—but given a little patience, you'll see why. Nadia is befriended by an Australian teacher in Kyiv for the same reason and she meets and is pursued a young Ukrainian man with plenty of charm.
It's not easy to see where this gives you a Crime Novel, but there is one here—just not the kind anyone's used to. I'm not sure I'd have given it that label, probably opting for "General Fiction" instead, but that's the way it's being marketed, and I can see it. There's also a flash of magical realism or fantasy (I could make the case for either label) but there's a foundation laid for it so that when the flash comes, it's easy to accept. This is typically the kind of thing that annoys me in Crime Fiction, but Curlew prepares for it well—and it's such a nice way for things to go, that I enjoyed it.
Back in February, I blogged about Seraphina's Lament by Sarah Chorn. It's a fantasy novel and nothing like this book at all. But much of it was inspired by the Holodomor—a genocide that took place in Ukraine in the 1930's. Part of Don't Get Involved's narrative is shaped by and reacts to the Holodomor. I never would have predicted that I'd read one book exposing me to this horrific time this year, much less, two widely divergent works. I'd be glad for this book for this reason alone.
None of these characters have easy lives—even those that chose to be in Kyiv. But there are moments of lightness and joy for all of them, as well as darker realities. It's a good reminder that there is joy to be found in all kinds of circumstances if you will look for them. One of the kids, in particular, is gifted at this.
There is one sex scene that is longer and far more detailed than is necessary, but otherwise, Curlew will let that happen behind closed doors. There are suggestions and hints about child prostitution, but nothing explicit—this is not done for exploitation, but to show the harsh conditions and the extreme actions these kids have to take to survive.
I will admit that I spent a lot of time early on wondering why I was reading this novel, while I liked the characters and was curious about their lives, I just didn't get the book. But it grew on me slowly and without me really noticing. Ultimately, I found it to be pretty effective and affecting and I was wholly invested in it. I'm not entirely certain I liked the way the storylines resolved, but that's just taste—and I'm pretty sure I would've complained if she'd gone that way.
I ended up enjoying this novel a lot more—and in more ways—than I expected to early on. The setting, characters and story are just different enough from what I usually get that I think it'll stick with me longer than some novels, too. I do recommend this to readers of all types for a change of pace and an exposure to things you won't easily find elsewhere.
My thanks to F J Curlew for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials (including the book) provided for it.
October 3, 2019
After reading and enjoying a previous book by this author, I jumped at the chance to read her latest publication. Once again we are transported to Eastern Europe, this time however we are in the Ukraine as we follow a group of street kids who find themselves in danger and Nadia who had moved to the Ukraine for a fresh start and in her attempt to help them gets mixed up in something that could actually endanger her life.
The book is told from the points of view of Dima one of the street kids who seems to be the leader of their little gang and Nadia. Moving through different seasons within the year it tells of their lives and slowly brings the action to a head at the end of the book. I will admit that at first, I did find this a little confusing as although there had been brief meetings between the two vastly different characters, I couldn’t quite work out what the real connection was between them. This didn’t stop me from reading or enjoying the book as the author has a way of drawing you in to the story with her descriptive writing that gives you a real sense of the country and the environment the characters find themselves in.
You can’t help but feel for the Dima, Sasha and Alyona who have ended up on the streets through no real fault of their own but found that this existence was preferable to the lives they had before. As they find themselves on the wrong side of the mafia and the militsiya their survival skills are tested too their limits. They use every bit of street smarts they have trying to stay one step ahead of those after them.
Nadia has a secret of her own that has driven her to the Ukraine that has left her untrusting of relationships. As the story progresses though you get to see this distrust slowly get chipped away as she starts to become friends with her Aussie colleague Maggie and Artem, a charming Ukrainian who refuses to let her icy exterior get to him. There are a couple of really touching part in the book where Nadia meets Artem’s grandfather and he describes events from his past and later when he passes away that even tugged at my hardened heart.
For me this book is so much more than being about drugs, mafia and street kids. It tells of human nature and compassion that can be found even in the hardest of hearts.
The book is told from the points of view of Dima one of the street kids who seems to be the leader of their little gang and Nadia. Moving through different seasons within the year it tells of their lives and slowly brings the action to a head at the end of the book. I will admit that at first, I did find this a little confusing as although there had been brief meetings between the two vastly different characters, I couldn’t quite work out what the real connection was between them. This didn’t stop me from reading or enjoying the book as the author has a way of drawing you in to the story with her descriptive writing that gives you a real sense of the country and the environment the characters find themselves in.
You can’t help but feel for the Dima, Sasha and Alyona who have ended up on the streets through no real fault of their own but found that this existence was preferable to the lives they had before. As they find themselves on the wrong side of the mafia and the militsiya their survival skills are tested too their limits. They use every bit of street smarts they have trying to stay one step ahead of those after them.
Nadia has a secret of her own that has driven her to the Ukraine that has left her untrusting of relationships. As the story progresses though you get to see this distrust slowly get chipped away as she starts to become friends with her Aussie colleague Maggie and Artem, a charming Ukrainian who refuses to let her icy exterior get to him. There are a couple of really touching part in the book where Nadia meets Artem’s grandfather and he describes events from his past and later when he passes away that even tugged at my hardened heart.
For me this book is so much more than being about drugs, mafia and street kids. It tells of human nature and compassion that can be found even in the hardest of hearts.
October 24, 2019
Don’t Get Involved tells of the struggle of life for the many street kids living rough on the streets of Kiev. Every day is a struggle to find shelter, warmth, food, safety; the children having to beg, scrounge and steal any little scraps they could to get by. Sometimes these children must submit themselves to unspeakable things to earn a bit of money - just enough for a few morsels of food and drink, not enough to break the vice-like grip the corrupt hold over them.
That is until one girl comes into the possession of a life-changing haul of illicit drugs. The money this could sell for is life changing, but the mafia are on the hunt for their lost haul. Nadia, a Scottish expat, her compassion drawing her to the children, like a moth to flame, does what she can to help them throughout her time in the city. Having fled an abusive relationship at home and having forged new friendships and relationships, finds herself drawn into a situation far bigger than herself. She marks herself out to the mafia hit-man and the corrupt military police as she seeks to dig the children out of a situation.
Don’t Get Involved is dark and gritty, providing an insight into the hidden aspects of society that most of us are fortunate enough to not ever have to experience. F.J. Curlew does a fantastic job of painting a picture of the city. From the perspective of outsiders it seems to be a place of wonder, new experiences to be found around each corner. From the side of the street children Kiev appears stark, inhospitable and corrupt to the core.
The tales told on both sides of this book are tragic for different reasons. The story offers the slightest of glimmers of hope throughout for all involved, and while I was not too sure about the ending, overall I enjoyed this book for the dark, sorrow-filled atmosphere that permeated from the first to the last page.
That is until one girl comes into the possession of a life-changing haul of illicit drugs. The money this could sell for is life changing, but the mafia are on the hunt for their lost haul. Nadia, a Scottish expat, her compassion drawing her to the children, like a moth to flame, does what she can to help them throughout her time in the city. Having fled an abusive relationship at home and having forged new friendships and relationships, finds herself drawn into a situation far bigger than herself. She marks herself out to the mafia hit-man and the corrupt military police as she seeks to dig the children out of a situation.
Don’t Get Involved is dark and gritty, providing an insight into the hidden aspects of society that most of us are fortunate enough to not ever have to experience. F.J. Curlew does a fantastic job of painting a picture of the city. From the perspective of outsiders it seems to be a place of wonder, new experiences to be found around each corner. From the side of the street children Kiev appears stark, inhospitable and corrupt to the core.
The tales told on both sides of this book are tragic for different reasons. The story offers the slightest of glimmers of hope throughout for all involved, and while I was not too sure about the ending, overall I enjoyed this book for the dark, sorrow-filled atmosphere that permeated from the first to the last page.
October 13, 2019
Firstly my thanks to FJ Curlew for the invite on the tour and copy of her new book, Don't Get Involved.
It's always nice when an author takes their time to check out the site and then ask for a review, so when i had an email from FJ Curlew, and after reading what this story was about , i was really happy to be involved on the tour.
On the face of it , Don't Get Involved is a thriller, set in Kiev, Ukraine, and tells the story of some street kids who get mixed up with a drug deal, which leaves them in possession of what would be more money than they could ever of dreamed of. That is obviously not going to be that for them as they find themselves hunted by a mafia hitman who wants the drugs back.
This story is much deeper than a cat and mouse chase across Kiev, it's a strong story of Human survival, of humanity and compassion and trust. The writing is great, it's inviting. FJ Curlew really describes Kiev well, its one of those books where you find yourself visualizing every alleyway, bar or slum these poor kids survive in.
The street kids the story speaks of can't help but grip you, heart breaking but at the same time heart warming, you can't not love and become embroiled into their lives. Expats Nadia adds the compassion to the story as she wants to help these kids so much, and her friend and fellow expat Maggie helps to add a little light humour into a tale that could essentially have been very dark.
Its compelling, engaging and at times quite poignant and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Kiev with these kids.
Highly Recommended
4
It's always nice when an author takes their time to check out the site and then ask for a review, so when i had an email from FJ Curlew, and after reading what this story was about , i was really happy to be involved on the tour.
On the face of it , Don't Get Involved is a thriller, set in Kiev, Ukraine, and tells the story of some street kids who get mixed up with a drug deal, which leaves them in possession of what would be more money than they could ever of dreamed of. That is obviously not going to be that for them as they find themselves hunted by a mafia hitman who wants the drugs back.
This story is much deeper than a cat and mouse chase across Kiev, it's a strong story of Human survival, of humanity and compassion and trust. The writing is great, it's inviting. FJ Curlew really describes Kiev well, its one of those books where you find yourself visualizing every alleyway, bar or slum these poor kids survive in.
The street kids the story speaks of can't help but grip you, heart breaking but at the same time heart warming, you can't not love and become embroiled into their lives. Expats Nadia adds the compassion to the story as she wants to help these kids so much, and her friend and fellow expat Maggie helps to add a little light humour into a tale that could essentially have been very dark.
Its compelling, engaging and at times quite poignant and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Kiev with these kids.
Highly Recommended
4
November 18, 2019
Don’t Get Involed is my first read by F.J. Curlew, and it won’t be my last. Zet in Ukraine in 2001, in a time of unrest, this novel feels authentic. It’s written with such knowledge and research, that nothing feels flimsy.
The dual stories in this book overlap occasionally, but for the most part they are independent of each other. The story is marketed as a crime novel, but it isn’t what you’re expecting going in. This isn’t a bad thing, it was written really well, but there are surprises that I didn’t see coming.
The characters are real. I felt a strong connection with them. Their lives aren’t easy, but through the bad always comes the good and I loved that. There is a bit of an explicit sex scene, which is no big deal, but it drew on a bit. Also, there’s hints of child prostitution, which just sets the tone for this novel even more.
Early on in Don’t Get Involved, I was a bit perplexed and unsure where the story was headed, but it grew on me. The setting, the characters and the story are unique. I’m glad I read this one and I suggest checking it out.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
The dual stories in this book overlap occasionally, but for the most part they are independent of each other. The story is marketed as a crime novel, but it isn’t what you’re expecting going in. This isn’t a bad thing, it was written really well, but there are surprises that I didn’t see coming.
The characters are real. I felt a strong connection with them. Their lives aren’t easy, but through the bad always comes the good and I loved that. There is a bit of an explicit sex scene, which is no big deal, but it drew on a bit. Also, there’s hints of child prostitution, which just sets the tone for this novel even more.
Early on in Don’t Get Involved, I was a bit perplexed and unsure where the story was headed, but it grew on me. The setting, the characters and the story are unique. I’m glad I read this one and I suggest checking it out.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
January 22, 2020
Wow, what a read. You always see pictures and hear the term ‘street kids’ but in this book the author takes you into their lives. Their desperate fight for survival and what lengths they will go to just to live.
Nadia who has recently moved to the Ukraine, is looking for a fresh start, but meets these street children and very quickly gets wrapped up in their world. Heartbroken by their plight she resolves to help them,unaware that she is getting herself into danger. The chapters are told from different perspectives, Nadia’s and Dima one of the children.
Dima, and the other children inadvertently find themselves on the the wrong side of the Mafia, as they steal a bag of cocaine belonging to them. Using their street smarts, they have to keep themselves alive whilst hiding from the men after them.
Although this book sounds bleak it is a really well written tale of hope when you feel like despairing.
Highly recommended.
Nadia who has recently moved to the Ukraine, is looking for a fresh start, but meets these street children and very quickly gets wrapped up in their world. Heartbroken by their plight she resolves to help them,unaware that she is getting herself into danger. The chapters are told from different perspectives, Nadia’s and Dima one of the children.
Dima, and the other children inadvertently find themselves on the the wrong side of the Mafia, as they steal a bag of cocaine belonging to them. Using their street smarts, they have to keep themselves alive whilst hiding from the men after them.
Although this book sounds bleak it is a really well written tale of hope when you feel like despairing.
Highly recommended.
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