Jennifer Laam Shares Russian History

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for giving me a copy of the Lost Season of Love and Snow by Jennifer Laam.  I was given this copy in exchange for an honest review.

How many of you have read Jennifer Laam before or are familiar with Russian history?  This is my first time reading one of Jennifer’s books.  I found Russian history fascinating.  When one can take a look back and understand what the Russian society was like back in the early nineteenth century.  She tells the story of Lady Pushkina the great wife of the famous Poet Alexander Pushkin.   What is her story?

Synopsis: 

Natalya is the youngest sister of Ekatrinia and Azya, and they attend a ball in Moscow.  At this ball, Natalya attracts the attention of Sir Alexander Pushkin the Poet Laureate of Russia.   She is equally attracted to Alexander, and hopes that her mother will say yes to the union.  Natalya’s mother was concerned by the financial arrangement that came from the marriage.  Once married life is different, and Natalya starts a family with Alexander.  Her greatest passion attending masked balls becomes her biggest nightmare. When she meets Georges and enjoys the flirtation.  Natalya becomes concerned when Georges wants more from the relationship.  Then the Czar becomes a little too interested in Natalya despite being married.  Natalya only wants Alexander.  How will he defend the honor of their family?  How will his actions impact his family?

My Thoughts:

Jennifer Laam wrote a beautiful book.  It is easy to read and communicates the struggles of Alexander Pushkin and his wife  Natalya well.  One question I had while reading it was what happened to the Russian bourgeois?   Why did the peasants revolt?  I know the revolution took place after this story took place but I wanted to see the roots of Russian history  The author also spoke to some extent of the issues that Natalya had in her role as Alexander’s wife.  This book also reminded me a little of Paula McLain’s The Paris Wife.  It was a good read with a tragic end!

Rating:

4/5

You can purchase a copy of The Lost Season of Love and Snow here.

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