(You can print this review in landscape mode, if you
want a hardcopy)
Reviewer:
Mark Lamendola, author of over 6,000 articles.
This is one of the most spell-binding books I have read in a very
long time. Actually, I heard it on cassette, narrated by Kate Burton.
Ms. Burton, a stage presence in her own right, is the daughter of
Richard Burton. Obviously, the publishers thought highly of this book.
And they had good reason to.
Ms. Simons was born and reared in Leningrad, and immigrated to the
USA. She's written other books, including a sequel to this one.
Unfortunately, the sequel (Tatiana and Alexander) is available in some
countries (e.g., Australia) but not yet in the USA.
As a reader, you can't help but yearn for Tatiana and Alexander to
realize their hopes and dreams. Yet, they face so many obstacles along
the way that it's never certain they will. Their immense and powerful
love for each other is evident, time after time.
The siege of Leningrad, in World War II, is something few American
history books talk about. But, those of us who have read about what
happened know how horrific it was. Ms. Simons lived there, and was able
to talk to people who had--barely--lived through it. And that siege
formed the backdrop for this intense tale of passion, betrayal, and
danger.
It all began when 17-year old Tatiana was eating an ice cream on a
beach when she noticed a Red Army soldier staring at her. Events moved
forward from there. As Tatiana suffered one loss after another--her twin
brother, her father, her mother, and her sister--Alexander showed his
love for her. He often did so at great risk.
In fact, Alexander risked everything for Tatiana at the end of the
novel. But, this love was not one-sided. Tatiana gave of herself,
repeatedly--and also took great risks. This story is not about two young
people who survive war. It's really about two young people caught in a
complex web spun by other people--like the devious Dmitri--while the
circumstances of war also bear down on them.
The Bronze Horseman brings romance, suspense, and adventure together
into a story that is memorable and moving. That it's also entertaining,
breathtaking, and heartbreaking is simply icing on a very tasty cake.
Ms. Simons has a few books published. I hope she writes many more of
this caliber. |