THE BRONZE HORSEMAN |
Paullina Simons
William
Morrow
May 2001
ISBN: B00008MNW0 |
 |
Wow. If you want a book that will last you all week,
this is a good one to pick up.
The Bronze Horseman is a character study of Tatiana Metanova, a young Russian girl at the
start of World War II. Set in Leningrad, the book opens with Tatiana on the eve of
her 17th birthday living in a communist state. When war is declared, the flighty,
naive heroine doesn't understand how it will affect her life. She happens upon a
Russian soldier, Alexander Belov, who helps her along, stockpiling supplies for the
shortage that will result with the war. As their friendship develops she discovers
that this soldier is the same man her older sister has been sneaking out at night to see.
Alexander Belov is an officer in the Red Army with a secret: he wasn't born Russian.
When he meets Tatiana, he is captivated by her innocence. Unlike any other
woman he has met, he struggles with his attraction to Tatiana and frustrated by her
loyalty to her sister. Alexander finds himself further trapped in Russia as a result
of his love for Tatiana to the point where it endangers his life.
The Bronze Horseman is a novel about love, loyalty, duty, life in Russian World War II and
perseverance. The love story between Tatiana and Alexander is both poignant and
electrifying. Through the course of the book, we watch Tatiana grow from an
innocent, carefree girl into a caring, giving woman while still maintaining enough naivete
to make her endearing. She is intelligent, resourceful and passionate.
This is a compelling read and I have heard some refer to it as engrossing. Reading
about Russia during World War II was fascinating and gives a better understanding of a
country many of us know so little about. Following the life of Tatiana and Alexander
is moving. I was cheering for them all the way to the end and dreading the bad guy.
I found this book to be a very satisfying read that, in spite of its length, never
dragged along.
Reviewed by Karla Lang for The Road to RomanceJuly 11, 2003 |
Back
to Newly Posted Reviews
Back to
Reviews Index Page |
