Lenin Lives Next Door

Like many of the reviews, I have mixed feelings about this book.

The idea of reading about Ex-Pat life in Russia is very appealing to me, and there were certain stories that really held my fascination. I for one, was disappointed that we didn't get the history lesson Jennifer put together. I think hearing her interpretation, combined with her real life experience and thoughts about modern life in Russia would have been a fascinating read. However, that's not what the book is.

Instead, a lot of it felt very much like a reality tv show which could easily have been called THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF MOSCOW. While some of that stuff was interesting, for the most part I kept waiting to hear more about what actual life in Russia is like. For instance, I really enjoyed her explanation about the traffic & cops and the Red Hand Shake. Of course hearing about the excess of Russian spending does fit into the category of what life there is like I really only needed ONE story...perhaps the suit buying excursion.

As for Jennifer's narration, it's hit or miss when authors narrate their own books. I think Jennifer did a very good job. My only criticism is that there were quite a few odd pauses (probably at page turns), and some lip smacking / mouth noise I could have done without. Her strength lies in her familiarity with the russian language and who these people are.

There are a lot of things that are charming about this book. Her nickname for her husband, HRH, the varying characters (and her interpretation of them), and her obvious love for Russia. It's worth giving a listen to, or reading if the topic is of interest to you.

I'd love to see her write an American's observations of Russian history and how it affects life there today through her humorous filter.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.