Friday, 17 September 2010

The Siege by Helen Dunmore


Life for most people in communist Russia is full of fear and suspicion, with people disappearing because of a careless word. Young Anna Levin shoulders a lot of responsibility as she juggles working in a nursery and taking care of her father and young brother. She must also worry about whether they are prepared for the coming winter. Has she planted enough food? But the encroaching Germans are going to make this winter in Leningrad harder than she can possibly imagine.

The Caldicot Library Reading Group recently discussed this book. With such harsh subject matter it is hard to say that you “enjoy” reading novels like this but it was a wonderful reading experience, surprisingly uplifting, very moving without being sentimental, and beautifully written.

Fiona Ashley, Community Library Manager

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