The Revolution of Marina M. by Janet Fitch

Marina Makarova is a woman of privilege who aches to break free of the constraints of her genteel life. Swept up on the tides of the Russian Revolution, Marina joins the marches for workers' rights, falls in love with a radical young poet, and betrays everything she holds dear, before being betrayed in turn. As her country goes through tremendous upheaval, Marina's own coming-of-age unfolds, marked by deep passion, devastating loss, and the private heroism of an ordinary woman living through extraordinary times.

The Russian Revolution and all it's tumult and misery and energy through the eyes of a young heroine, who stems from privilege but is driven by passion and restlessness into a life of poetry and poverty, espionage and abuse, adventure and self-discovery. As most stories of wars in starving cold countries, her main driving force is her will to survive, to have food and a safe spot to sleep. And then there are also two love affairs running in parallel, the story always falling asleep a little with Genya around, but then waking up again as soon as Kolya reappears.

Marina lives through so many adventures and hardships in such a short time, that I often had to check the year and then was taken aback, when it turned out she was still only 18. Towards the end it felt there are almost too many experiences amassed at her feet, like she's running down a checklist of all wild scenarios a young girl could get herself into during those times. Especially the cult assembling around mother at the end, felt one step too many. Plus, it's only part 1 of 2! Though I am definitely curious what Fitch has in store for Marina in part 2. The epilogue seems to indicate it's not as happy an ending as one could hope for her.

Maybe a bit long, but it's quite a page-turner at parts. The writing is especially rich in details of Russian culture, historical events and politics. All the Russian revolutionary parties and coups and counter-revolutionary coups are confusing enough to feel very solid. And the city of Petrograd is clearly one of the main protagonists of the novel.

3.5

Long and sprawling, but enthralling and enchanting. Incredibly well researched and great choice of Audible narrator in Elena Shmulenson, clearly a native Russian speaker, which made all the difference in the world.

It was a little ‘chick lit' for my tastes, but I I enjoyed it all the same. I was already too far in before I found out that this is only part 1; had I known that, I would have left it, and now I'm left without satisfaction.

I can't even begin to imagine how an author undertakes such a huge novel, but Janet Fitch has done marvelously well in my humble opinion. The writing is literary and poetic.