Yelena is the first American born to her Old Believer Russian Orthodox parents, who left two older daughters behind to build a life in a Pennsylvania Appalachian town. Here, boys quit grade school for the coal mines and girls are married off at fourteen. But Yelena, mindful of the thoroughly American life she craves, puts off all suitors. Through a chain of fateful meetings, she is gradually wooed by the attentive but sickly Viktor Gomelekoff, born in her parents' hometown, who seems to share her yearnings.
A detailed, achingly realistic look at one family’s struggles within a largely unheard-of community ... It’s difficult to identify with Yelena and to witness her repeatedly responding to the plot instead of driving it ... But what truly shines is the author’s ability to bring to life the plight of a long-lost Russian immigrant community, as well as her talent for providing intimate and vivid details of one family’s life.
Atmospheric, animated ... Yelena’s narration brings her pleasure, grief, rage, and determination into sharp focus and vivifies her family members ... Structured in accordance with daily activities, the plot moves at an unhurried pace toward its end, with a handful of gripping scenes breaking through its general quiet.
Meticulous ... Zuravleff richly describes the hardscrabble setting, capturing the horrific working conditions, her characters’ will to provide for their families, and how all of it is stifling to Yelena.
