Russian Winter

The author takes the reader into several separate person's stories which are then intertwined, making us see life in very different ways. A wonderful read which I heartily recommend to all. Perhaps the reader will gain a better understanding of the hardships faced and endured by countless people who are living without true freedom of thought and expression. May we who are living in freedom appreciate it. Thank you Ms Kalotay.

Knows the world of ballet and the life imposed by the USSR during the Cold War. Characters well developed. I did not care for the use your imagination ending. Seemed to end with too much that needed saying.

The book was well written and the characters were compelling. The story was very interesting both in that it gave me a glimpse into the world of artists in Soviet Russia and that it was very entertaining. While it is not a book that I would call highly memorable, it is still well worth the read.

This book incorporated history, of Russia in the 1950s under Stalin, as well as weaving in the lives of many artists, lovers, friends and families! A wonderful sad yet very spellbinding story! Highly recommended!

I've never submitted a review before, though I've loved many books. This one blew me away... On so many levels... I learned so much about the pain that ballerinas have to endure; I loved the poetry, and I hadn't realized how awful it must have been to squelch your individuality (or be persecuted for your faith) in Russia during the Stalin era. I SAVORED this book. The author is a genius with language... I've already started to read it again...

I really expected to like this book. And eventually I did, but it took awhile. The pace of the book is quite slow, and jumped back and forth between periods. It was a little confusing. By the end of the book, the pieces of the book began to fall together.

This was a very entertaining and interesting story . To read. It told a . Story . Of . Friendship,love,trust,and, fear.As the . Story unfolds . I . Found . Myself almost becoming . Nina wanting everything to . Be right.All of . Her dreams. Hopes . Fears happen

Loved the story and the characters. It was interesting to me to read about the ballet and the people involved. I also enjoyed the insight into the auction business. Thanks to the author for a relaxing and entertaining read.

Disappointed at the ending. After so much rich detail, being left to sum up the characters in my own head space left me wanting another chapter to neatly tie up ambiguous loose ends. Despite this, a hauntingly beautiful look into artistry in Soviet Russia.

Many stories woven into one. The story of how people coped in the Stalin era. Relationships during that time. A ballerina's life and the mystery of the jewels. It kept me intrigued throughout the book. I didn't want to put it down.

I felt myself become fully enveloped in this story, the characters, and the mysterious Soviet era.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story with its feet firmly placed on the ground and it's vision of life unclouded.

Knowing some serious ballerinas, I appreciated the physical strain of practice and performance. I thought the story line was fun, and I enjoyed the banter between the early and later years as well as character perspectives.

The book just got better and better with every page I read. I was so sad to reach the last page as I will miss these characters deeply. This is a truly wonderful book and I am so glad it was chosen by my book club.

This book kept a depressing way of life from being boring. It is a timely subject in America as we hear more about the government eavesdropping on its own citizens without cause. A free society requires its voters to be vigilant.

Russian winter lacks depths, but brings an involving story especially in the parts which are placed at the harsh time of Stalin's rule in Russia.
The parts which are taking place in the USA are less interesting, feel convoluted and don't serve much.

Enjoyed how the 2 stories intertwined--easy too follow--
Learning intricacies of Ballerinas (practice-what they do with their toe shoes,etc). also having a history lesson and
how auction houses work entwined with a romance.

It kept me awake at night thinking about life and its twists and turns.. the first couple of chapters were a little slow paced for me but boy was I surprise to fall in love with all the characters more every minute and compare their life to mine. Call it circumstances, luck, fate, destiny, choices... it's just life.

Loved this, it was so interesting, so informative about life in Russia, especially that of a dancer, I am sure it is the same for athletes and other celebrates. It had some unexpected revelations at the end. Our book club talked for a long time and it was a great book to study.