2024/7&8 Discussion site for Rachel Barenbaum's A Bend in the Stars

[Jan]

You've found the spot to talk about the poll winner A Bend in the Stars.
Enjoy!

[Melissa]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I liked that it was set in Russia on the horizon of WWI with the solar eclipse (and how it could prove Einstein’s theory of relativity) as the catalyst for the story. I have read a lot of WWII fiction, but not so much WWI.
I was hooked from the start—I loved all the characters – from Vanya and Miri to Sasha and Dima and even Yuri and Baba (Miri and Vanya’s grandmother). Each one had a fleshed-out back story which enabled me to understand their actions and motivations.
The narrative switches perspectives between Vanya and Miri. Instead of numbered chapters, the story is divided into months in the Jewish calendar (a lunar event as opposed to a solar one, but still astrological).
I thought Barenbaum did an excellent job describing the places in the story – a hospital, a train station, rivers, alleys, etc., and I felt like I got a picture of what 1914 Russia was like. She also didn’t gloss over the horrors Jews were subject to during that time and the difficulties women faced as doctors in 1914.
Even though there was physics and math and scientific theory, it didn’t bog down the story. The book was long (464 pages), but I found the pacing was good and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. I read Barenbaum’s second novel (“Atomic Anna”) first, and I think this is the better of the two—I was surprised it was her debut novel.

[Stacey B]

Melissa wrote: "I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I liked that it was set in Russia on the horizon of WWI with the solar eclipse (and how it could prove Einstein’s theory of relativity) as the catalyst for the story..."

So glad you enjoyed this Melissa.
Barenbaum is extremely smart; Im never surprised by the subjects she chooses and the way she melds her books together with that extra tablespoon of creativity she is gifted with.

[Stacy]

SPOILER ALERT - DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT FINISHED BOOK

I really enjoyed the book - even the scientific parts! BUT I was disappointed in the ending - wanted to know about lives of other characters, ie: Yuri
At at times felt it needed more editing (thought I read the exact same sentence in two different parts of book)
But overall great choice

[Stacey B]

Stacy wrote: "SPOILER ALERT - DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT FINISHED BOOK

I really enjoyed the book - even the scientific parts! BUT I was disappointed in the ending - wanted to know about lives of other characte..."

So glad you liked this book Stacy. I know how you feel- Its frustrating for the moment. :(