Welcome to Litsy!

This is both my #doublespin for March and the March pick for the Morbidly Curious Bookclub. I didn‘t realize that it‘s built around the kidnapping of two young girls, but as soon as the girls were approached by a man, my whole body went “nope” and turned off the audiobook. I can‘t bear to see how it turns out. Posting my DNF for the #bookspin record. I see high praise for it here, but it‘s not for me.

This book spells out Trumps Russia and Putin connections for decades leading up to his winning the election in 2016. It also brings to light the infiltration of Russia into many aspects of the Republican Party and on a lesser scale into the Democratic Party. Trump is joined at the hip to Putin. Just as Victor Orban is. Russia is a huge factor in American and European politics. Deeply depressing and well documented book.

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.

First snowdrops coming out in Prospect Park!

A remarkable book. Brilliantly written and with great humour and insight into Putin‘s Russia & the arbitrary legal system & capricious targeting of his opponents. Heartbreaking because we see what a great leader has been lost, but inspiring & uplifting as he shows what is possible. It sounds bleak but it was so engaging I couldn‘t put it down. Also a beautiful portrait of his marriage to Yulia. Highly recommended.

Highly recommended!

My #BookSpin and #DoubleSpin reads for March 2025 😄
@TheAromaofBooks

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

I was hesitant about this one- i assumed it would be riddled with accounts of physical abuse. It‘s not. In fact, I finished with really liking and respecting Navalny as the positive, intelligent, curious, leader with integrity that he was. It was a life story and a love letter to the Russian people and his hope for a better world for his family. I loved it. Highly recommend!

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.