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Frank Reid and 1913 Moscow. Penny has a way. Frank is a curious character, tolerant of everything. When his wife leaves the country without warning, taking the three kids and then sending them back, however much it was killing him inside, he continues along independent, making terrible decisions, while remaining tolerant of all collapsing Russia‘s foibles. A fantastic little novel.

As the world collapses, I‘m getting my Penny fix. 1913 Moscow - so, not exactly a more hopeful time.

There‘s a lot to unpack in this slim novel, and I will be puzzling on it for a while. Sparkling bits of humor and quirky characters set against personal tragedy and absurd yet unsettling politics make this a dense read. Beautiful writing and the ability to portray a very different time and place make this worth the effort.

Just going to leave that there. 😂

Can‘t wait to see the Spring books (nonfiction) you all recommend! #litsolice #naturalitsy #springequinox

This story set in 1913 Russia is seet over a few weeks. Frank Reid, an English industrialist, who has lived most of his life in this country on the cusp of dramatic change, returns home to find his wife Nellie having left him to return to England but When his 3 children return to the door his life is in turmoil. I enjoyed this book a lot which contains some wonderful writing of landscape as spring approaches, but also dialogue and character

This book was ok - a lot happens in this slim novel. A British family living in 1911 Russia - the mother runs off, Russian politics are explored, philosophical discussions abound. I was a little lost for the point of the novel. But, I got my second dose of the Moderna vaccine yesterday, so I was happy to lay on the couch and read while the aches and chills subside.

#SeasonOfYourBirth #GypsyKatsBirthdayWeek

Dear Litsy people, I need some help. I want to get a Christmas gift for someone very special to me, and I know he loves Penelope Fitzgerald. In fact he gave me this book. Can anyone suggest a similar author that he can explore? Thank you!!

This is a terrific book, the first that I read by Penelope FitzGerald. Her novellas are all short but she has a talent fir creating the most extraordinary sense of the place and period. Highly recommended.