The author seamlessly interweaves a multigenerational story of a well-to-do Ukrainian-Russian family from the time of the Russian Revolution, intensely through WWII and onto the present in the US. The novel begins with Larissa, now an elderly grandmother, telling her life story to her beloved granddaughter Natasha via regular Skype visits. Natasha is a new mother and a burgeoning actor who is struggling to put some order into her life. The intersections of these two women's personalities and weaknesses is engaging and I loved the full circle that came in the end. Larissa's struggles through WWII make for a consuming read all on their own. Many larger than life characters and incidents. I especially loved the droll voice of Larissa.

This is a multi-layered and carefully crafted novel that reads smooth like butter. Brava. One of the best novels I've read this year.

Something Unbelievable by Maria Kuznetsova is a great novel that alternates points of view and the lives of Granddaughter and Grandmother, Natasha and Larissa respectively, and the similarities (and differences) they experience as women generations apart.

It was fascinating to read the parallels that both women experienced in their lives despite living in completely different times and environments. They may be drastically different, however the hurdles (and joys) of: love, loss, friendship, family, acceptance, forgiveness, and finding one’s purpose, path and self-worth still remains the same. The challenges of being a woman in their respective society continues to bring its challenges.

I feel that by talking about these shared experiences, struggles, and triumphs they found a connection more profound then if they had not forged down this path.

Excellent.

5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine/Random House for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.