Set in London and Russia at the turn of the century, Susana Aikin’s debut introduces a vibrant young woman determined to defy convention and shape an extraordinary future. Like other well-bred young women in Edwardian England, Lily Throop is expected to think of little beyond marriage and motherhood. Passionate about the stage, Lily has very different ambitions. To her father’s dismay, she … father’s dismay, she secures an apprenticeship at London’s famous Imperial Theatre. Soon, her talent and beauty bring coveted roles and devoted admirers. Yet to most of society, the line between actress and harlot is whisper-thin. With her reputation threatened by her mentor’s vicious betrayal, Lily flees to St. Petersburg with an acting troupe—leaving her first love behind.
Life in Russia is as exhilarating as it is difficult. The streets rumble with talk of revolution, and Lily is drawn into an affair with Sergei, a Count with fervent revolutionary ideals. Following Sergei when he is banished to Vladivostok, Lily struggles to find her role in an increasingly dangerous world. And as Russian tensions with Japan erupt into war, only fortitude and single-mindedness can steer her to freedom and safety at last.
With its sweeping backdrop and evocative details, We Shall See the Sky Sparkling explores a fascinating period in history through the eyes of a strong-willed, singular heroine, in a moving story of love and resilience.
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In this beautifully written novel, author Susana Aikin takes readers to the theater stages of London and Russia. Based on the story of the author’s grandaunt, the fodder of family folklore, We Shall See the Sky Sparkling tells the brave and tragic tale of Lily Alexander Throop.
Lily was an exceptional woman, in my opinion. She defied expectations, societal norms, and her parent’s wishes to leave home and become an actress. I can’t imagine the courage that it takes to stand up for what you believe in, and then go for it full-force. Yes, she made some mistakes along the way, but who doesn’t while trying to find their way in life?
My absolute favorite part of the novel was how Aikin included actual letters written by Lily to her brother and sister-in-law, and peppered them throughout the book. I thought that was a fabulous touch and made the novel that much more authentic. My other favorite was when Lily was in Russia. It was soooo fascinating!
This gorgeous novel kept me up to the wee hours of the morning! I just couldn’t put it down and had to know how it would all end. I found Aikin’s writing to be spectacular, and I can’t wait for more for her in the future. Aikin did a wonderful job of bringing her ancestor’s story to life and I am so glad that I got to know more about Lily.
I highly recommend We Shall See the Sky Sparkling! You will love it!
All families have black sheep in their lines: those people who flout society’s expectations and live life on their own terms. During my genealogical research, I have found several ancestors whom would be classified as black sheep; however, I doubt that any of our kin lived their lives with as much determination and passion as Susana Aikin’s heroine in her novel, We Shall See the Sun Sparkling.
For the complete review. go to http://www.kindredconnection.wordpress.com/2019/01/02/we-shall-see-the-sky-sparkling/.
I could not put down this book… stayed up all night to find out what happened to Lily, the main character. Her adventures as a British actress in the early 1900s were inspiring. She left England and travelled to Russia, and then across Siberia on the Trans-Siberian Railway. She was an independent woman, so cool for those times, and based on the author’s Great Aunt… And there is a seduction scene with one of her lovers that is so memorable… I’m not going to give it away… but it’s original and totally sexy.
We Shall See the Sky Sparkling is a debut novel?? Susana Aikin writes like she was born to it. I’ve never used the word masterpiece in ANY of my reviews before, but this story is a work of art. I felt like I was watching a historical period drama unfold, right before my eyes. It was an intricately woven story that completely came to life. There are many elements and situations in this story that completely captured my attention.
There is also an abundance of very dynamic characters who change and grow. Chut is a simple and very loyal character, I really felt sorry for how things worked out for him. Sergei was a lot more exciting, I believe he loved Lily in his own way. He was distant and at times a little selfish, but was he really? I think some of that could be attributed to his passion for the cause he was fighting for and trying to protect those he loved at the same time. I really liked his character. I shed a few tears for him. Lily was also distant and selfish, and at times even childish. She chafed against anything that she felt was holding her down or stripping away her freedom. I felt that lily and Sergei were two sides of the same coin. Lily and Sergei were not always easy to understand, but they were easy to love.
The ending wasn’t the happy ending I had expected but it was very moving. This is not a novel that you just read and forget, it is mesmerizing and unforgettable. A very impressive story that I can’t praise nearly enough.