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What Members Thought
What an outstanding debut novel. Other first time novelists should take note of how Smith avoids using gimmicks, other "look how clever and unique I am" techniques, and cobbling together a bunch of writings that were scribbled when the author was working on her MFA. One of the keys to successful writing (in my opinion) is to tell a compelling story! It's that simple, people, and wow, what a compelling story Smith weaves in this book.
Based upon a true story, the underlying premise is about a chil ...more
Based upon a true story, the underlying premise is about a chil ...more
Good insight into living with the paranoia of the Russia of the time. I agree that the ending was a little too neat, but it did explain a few things.The only remaining question for me is: why the stomachs?
Wow! In the convoluted ideology of Stalin's USSR of 1953, there is no crime. All are equal in the worker's paradise, so there is no reason for crimes like theft or murder. To suggest otherwise is counterevolutionary, and That is a Crime. Treason is everywhere, and all are guilty once denounced. If your friend informs on you to the secret police you are guilty. If you aren't you'll be executed anyway, because the secret police won't admit any mistakes are possible. And they'll execute the friend
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A fast paced a murder mystery/political thriller set in communistic times (end of Stalin era). I couldn't put this one down - had to finish it.
It is well written and has a great plot and characters.
It is quite tense as our hero chases down a serial killer (based on real-life case of Andrei Chikatilo), while evading the MGB.
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It is well written and has a great plot and characters.
It is quite tense as our hero chases down a serial killer (based on real-life case of Andrei Chikatilo), while evading the MGB.
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Under Stalin's reign of terror only the state is allowed to execute people. Then why are children's bodies appearing along the course of the Trans-Siberian Railroad?
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Could have benefited from a more pruning-shears oriented editor for the early going, but once the main mystery takes hold it's solid work. Smith does an excellent job of showing the pervasive paranoia of the police state and how it gradually breaks the very collectivism it's intended to uphold.
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05/09/08 purchase at MOTB (Sue's recommendation)
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Apr 23, 2010
Kat (A Journey In Reading)
marked it as to-read
Jun 08, 2011
Terri FL
marked it as to-read
Apr 12, 2014
Sam
marked it as to-read
Jan 07, 2015
Jen
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Aug 07, 2016
Kristin
marked it as to-read
Jan 27, 2017
Kirsty
marked it as to-read
May 11, 2019
Tammy Grimm
marked it as to-read
