Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Enchantments by Kathryn Harrison

Masha, Rasputin's eldest daughter comes to live at Tsarkoye Selo after her father's self prophesied death. The Tsarina hopes that Masha possesses the same gifts of healing that her father had. Masha instead has the ability of comfort. Alyosha, sensing the impending revolution listens as Masha spins stories about their parents and Mother Russia, imaging a life beyond the reach of the Revolutionaries. When the Revolution explodes, Alyosha and Masha are separated. Masha flees, but always feels Russia's wounds, especially after being given Alyosha's diary.

Masha's voice make a heart breaking story magical. Alyosha's sickbed becomes the place Masha passes time. While Alyosha and Masha grasp the seriousness of their imprisonment, they liberate themselves by flying all over the world. I definitely felt sympathy for a boy in danger of losing his life and a girl who had lost her father. The lyricism and majesty of the spun stories was wonderful. I really enjoyed this book!

3 comments:

  1. This sounds like one heck of a book. Something really original! Thanks for sharing.

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  2. It was really good, VERY different.
    P.S. I loved your sneakish peakish post. I haven't even watched the series, but I am dying to. Come on Netflix!!

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