After the haunting prologue, the story moves back into Russia during the 1980s where we catch up with a young man and his baby sister – two kids struggling to make it on their own.

You genuinely care for these two from the outset, W Grimm has an efficient use of language that means, although the chapters are short, you’re never left feeling dissatisfied.

The world is bleak, but filled with the warmth of the siblings – Sof’ya who is your typical eight-year-old girl despite what the world has thrown at her, and Dmitri, whose only focus is getting through each day.

Things take a turn for better when he’s employed down at the docks, and the pair are finally able to move out of the tiny cupboard they’re living in, to a real home.

The end of chapter one brings about a huge change, and without giving it away, I’m hooked, and shall be looking for updates.

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.
Help us improve!  Register or log in to rate this review.