The House by the Dvina Quotes

“Never since the dawn of Russian history had there been such a time of fear, grief and horror – a time described by the poetess Akhmatova as ‘When only the dead could smile’.”
― Eugenie Fraser, The House by the Dvina: A Russian Childhood

“The relationship between the teacher and pupil was formal. When addressed by the teacher only the surname of the girl was used – never the first name. Vanda Derboot was just Derboot, Evgeniya Scholts – plain Scholts.”
― Eugenie Fraser, The House by the Dvina: A Russian Childhood

“Secretiveness and reticence in any form were alien to Babushka as they were to most Russians, the exception being if they were afraid, or guilty of some ulterior motive. Babushka openly discussed money matters from the price of food to the dress she had ordered for the christening of her future grandchild. She likewise frankly admired Grandma’s clothes and with the same childlike frankness enquired what they cost. Grandma sidestepped such questions. She also admired Babushka’s furs and jewellery, but passed no comment, and as for asking what Babushka might have paid for some article – that was simply not done and completely outwith her Scottish character.”
― Eugenie Fraser, The House by the Dvina: A Russian Childhood

“Each child, with the lightheartedness of a cuckoo, was passed on to the care of a wet nurse, a nanny and later a governess. At”
― Eugenie Fraser, The House by the Dvina: A Russian Childhood