" This book is told in slow-paced vignettes, so give yourself some time to go through it and appreciate the language. It helps to have a working knowledge of the USSR, as the book fictionalizes the inner thoughts of the main players during the USSR's troubled history. The story that takes the spotlight is that of Shostakovitch the composer's love for an elusive Elena. Also moving is the story of a Russian general, hero until he is captured by the Germans and collaborates with them, realizing that war is a nightmare of deception and impotent communication no matter which side you're on. I also like the story of a young SS officer who works subtlety to hinder the "final solution." Read this book in pieces (there are few paragraph breaks and the inner-monologue style of the book is its strength and weakness) and only if you already have an interest in Russian history, appreciating Volmann's imaginative retelling of history, and you won't be disappointed. "
— Kyra, 2/10/2014