Can a woman ever really know herself if she doesn’t know her mother? From the author of the smash-hit bestseller Firefly Lane and True Colors comes a powerful, heartbreaking novel that illuminates the intricate mother-daughter bond and explores the enduring links between the present and the past Meredith and Nina Whitson are as different as sisters can be. One stayed at home to raise her children …
Meredith and Nina Whitson are as different as sisters can be. One stayed at home to raise her children and manage the family apple orchard; the other followed a dream and traveled the world to become a famous photojournalist. But when their beloved father falls ill, Meredith and Nina find themselves together again, standing alongside their cold, disapproving mother, Anya, who even now, offers no comfort to her daughters. As children, the only connection between them was the Russian fairy tale Anya sometimes told the girls at night. On his deathbed, their father extracts a promise from the women in his life: the fairy tale will be told one last time and all the way to the end. Thus begins an unexpected journey into the truth of Anya’s life in war-torn Leningrad, more than five decades ago. Alternating between the past and present, Meredith and Nina will finally hear the singular, harrowing story of their mother’s life, and what they learn is a secret so terrible and terrifying that it will shake the very foundation of their family and change who they believe they are.
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One of the best books I have read. Mesmerizing.
One of my favorite historical fiction.
I loved reading this book and still think about the characters—that tells me it was well-written!
This is one of the best books I have ever read. The story was written so well that I could almost feel the pain the main characters were going through. The history behind the story was fascinating. It stayed with me even after I finished it and even now, months after I read it; I still can’t talk about it without becoming emotional.
A story of Russian history during WWII uncovered and laid bare. Shining the light of understanding on an unbelievable era of loss and terror. A family torn apart but restored in a new way.
GREAT STORY.
Perfectly real characters, heart wrenching wonderful read.
I could not put down this book. It was amazing! Hauntingly tragic, it was an original telling of Stalin’s siege of Leningrad during WWII intertwined with a very believable family drama. This is a must read, and I’m sure I will read it again someday.
One of Hannah’s best in my opinion. Excellent character development and the historical parts are very interesting. Highly recommend.
Kristin Hannah never disappoints
This is my all time favorite book!
Kristen Hannah NEVER disappoints!
A rare book – as soon as I finished it, I wanted to read it again. Gorgeous writing!
Slow start, but an exciting, poignant second half. A wonderful read!
I loved the history of Russia during WWII that was flashed back to explain the mother’s background and fears. Strong story of improving relationships when understanding happens.
There are some books you’ll never forget and this is one for me.
I loved this book, the writing and the imagery.
I am an avid reader and this book is one of the best i have ever read. It really touched on relationships of, father and daughter, mother and daughter, sisters, marriage, boyfriend. Also about struggle, sacrifice and enormous survival
This book will definitely keep you guessing and is a page turner. I don’t want to ruin the ending but all I can …
For a very long time, this was my all-time favorite book. It was fascinating and the characters were drawn beautifully. The present and the past were woven perfectly to tell a unique story. I am now a fan and follower of Kristen Hannah…I have loved each of her books. She never disappoints.
There is a lot of history in this book which I really enjoyed and learned from. The characters are all very sad because of their Mother’s tragic life. Fantastic ending.