This book is an amazing story of human resilience. Based on over 1200 letters written between a prisoner and his beloved, this book is an incredible story and it happened. Letters are the details of our hearts, poured out in handwriting and ink. It is easy to forget that with all of our electronic correspondence but there is something truly personal about maneuvering your hands over the words. After being imprisoned by the Germans in WWII, Lev Mishchenko is imprisoned for spying in his native Russia. His amazing betrothed waits for him, fights for him, and most amazingly sneaks into the prison to see him. This book is very well researched and seamlessly goes between letter and narrative. I think this is the best book I've read all year. The story is powerful and moving. It recounts the lives of two people separated by war and imprisonment for over 13 years through their letters and interviews. It is an awe inspiring love story. A story of strength, courage and determination. Sveta and Lev share so much wisdom and humanity through their words and provide clear insight into post war Russia and life in the Gulag. This one is going to stick with me for a while.
Prachtig. Dit maakt je eigen sores wel erg relatief. Informatief en liefdevol.
—debarous
sounds good, but netgalley declined so I'll never know
—yazzichens
Incredible testimony to the human spirit.
—jeru
Such a touching story.
—halieken
