Picture Books
Gennady Spirin's artwork is exquisite. And THE FROG PRINCESS (Patrick A. Lewis) is my favorite Russian folktale.
The Russian version is nothing like Grimm's--be prepared to be enchanted.
THREE CHEERS FOR CATHERINE THE GREAT (Cari Best, Giselle Potter) always made my sons roll with laughter. A classic.
Middle Grade
BREAKING STALIN'S NOSE (Eugene Yelchin)
Ah, I loved this Newberry Honor Book. Sasha's journey to understand the Party and his father was so moving.This is required reading at my house. My 11 year old son loved it.
THE TURNING (Gloria Whelan)
As a teen, I was fascinated by Russians who chose to defect during the Cold War. I loved this subtle story about a Kirov ballerina trying to decide whether to make a break for freedom on a trip to Paris.
Young Adult
THE LOST CROWN (Sarah Miller)
I love all of Sarah Miller's books, but this is my favorite. She captured the voice and the Russian-ness of the Romanovs so well, that I was surprised to learn Miller doesn't speak Russian. The last sentence is one of the most haunting in YA literature.
Adult
SNOW CHILD (Eowyn Ivey)
Can you tell that I have a thing for Russian folklore? This was my favorite adult read of last year. It does not take place in Russia, but in 1920s Alaska. The language is gorgeous. This is one of those books you want to savor, like a cup of strong Russian tea.
To accompany any of these reads, I suggest very strong black tea, sweetened with lemon and sugar or copious spoonfuls of jam (tastier than you would think). Then you too can be a true Russian reader.
Happy Reading!
My son and I just finished another Gloria Whelan book, THE IMPOSSIBLE JOURNEY. I'd call it upper MG/lower YA. Written at a middle grade level, but some of the suffering under Stalin was pretty horrific for young kids. Anyway it's a great book--I'd like to read more of her work.
ReplyDeleteKate, that sounds really good. I love anything set in the Stalin time period, and I really like Whelan's writing style. I'll have to check it out!
DeleteIt's been way too long since I've read a Russian novel. Thank you for these, and the reminder that great writing about Russia continues after the classics we all read.
ReplyDeleteMirka, I fell in love with Russia when I read some of the classics in high school. But I'm so excited that novels set in Russia seem to be "in" right now. So many good books to read!
DeleteThanks for the book recommendations! I haven't heard of any of these, but The Lost Crown has really caught my eye.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
I hope you enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Books I haven't heard of. =) The MG by Yelchin sounds like something I should get for when my son is older.
ReplyDeleteI know it really opened my son's eyes to what it was Russia was like under Stalin. Besides, it's just an amazing book. Enjoy!
DeleteI hadn't heard of any of these. Thanks so much for the recommendations =) The YA and adult titles here interest me most. Will be adding them to my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Ruth! Glad you found some new titles. I hope you enjoy them!
DeleteOoh, these look great! Have you read Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo? It's a great YA fantasy with a Russia twist.
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DeleteAh, yes, Shadow and Bone! That has a great Russian feel. I'm also looking forward to Sekret (Lindsey Smith) and Tsarina (J. Nelle Patrick) coming out this year.
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