This is a fabulous book. It gave insight into a failed attempt to establish an autonomous Jewish homeland in prewar Stalinist Russia. It then took you into the problems of living under an autocratic despotic regime, yet cultivated a powerful love story where the protagonists demonstrated bravery, determination and self sacrifice above the call of duty. It deserves to be read

I found this novel to be gripping and suspenseful. I liked the author's writing style. I gave it a 3 star due to the foreignness of it. I found myself getting lost at times. I would be totally absorbed, then have to stop and look up the meaning of things.