Russia has always produced more than its fair share of remarkable women, and dissident pianist Maria Yudina (1899-1970) is certainly one of them. This meticulously researched, insightful and engaging biography explores her life and work in detail, and is the first such biography to be published. Maria Yudina was born Jewish but converted to Russian Orthodoxy when only 18 and was a fervent and devout believer ever after, with her faith informing her life and music. Fearlessly, she never tried to hide her beliefs, even though this was so dangerous during the Soviet period. Somehow she managed to escape Stalin’s purges, and it is said that she was his favourite pianist, which may explain how she managed to survive. She was highly acclaimed in the Soviet Union but little known outside it. Hers was an extraordinary life and an extraordinary talent. I’d never heard of her, and really enjoyed discovering her in this enjoyable and informative book.