She has lived in Moscow and Nairobi and now lives in New York.

Krasikov was born in Ukraine and raised in the Soviet republic of Georgia until she was 8, when her family immigrated to the United States. The scenes of interrogation over and over again. The tautness that grew and grew until you wanted to scream. All these families living in what used to be one apartment but had been divided into many with one shared kitchen and one bath for all to share. The scenes in the apartment where Florence lives with her husband and son and many others are still stuck in my mind. One scene when Florence’s American passport is confiscated scared me to death. Because I knew what that meant. This sweeping tale is filled with palpable tension. Yes, they were. How can one survive? Some of these scenes are difficult to read. The Soviet labor camps were equal to the German camps. But I put on my big girl glasses and sucked it up. I can’t in my wildest dreams imagine doing what Florence does. I almost put the book down at this point. But she stays in Russia, gets a job as a translator in Moscow with a bank, and continues to be loyal to the cause. Far from the revolutionary wonder she sought, she is swallowed up in a horrific way of life that she never signed on for. When she does finally hook up with the young man she’s looking for, of course that does not turn out like it was supposed to. And I believe it is an important piece of brilliant literature that should be read by everyone in the free world today.įlorence Fein quickly discovers a far different world than she had envisioned. I think this novel is quite possibly the most realistic history about the Cold War that you will find. Nothing seems to be concrete. At times I can feel my own ignorance about the country and it’s history.

It’s always like reading about something happening in another world. I’ve read novels and thrillers over the years that took place in Russia. I have never felt comfortable about Russia. This year the news reports have been rife with news of Russia and Putin. I have to say that the timing of the publication of 'The Patriots' is eerie.

There is nothing whimsical about Krasikov's tale. However, 'A Gentleman in Moscow,' by Amor Towles, is nothing like 'The Patriots.' While the former was brilliant and amazing it was also whimsical and enchanting. This is the second important book this season that takes place in Russia.

The patriots a novel by sana krasikov