Title: One Night in Winter

Author: Simon Sebag Montefiore

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Harper

Format: Hardback

Pages: 480

Rating: 4/5 stars

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Inspired by a true story, prize-winning historian and acclaimed novelist Simon Sebag Montefiore explores the consequences of forbidden love in this heartbreaking epic of marriage, childhood, danger, and betrayal that unfolds in Stalin’s Moscow during the bleak days after World War II.

As Moscow celebrates the motherland’s glorious victory over the Nazis, shots ring out on the crowded streets. On a nearby bridge, a teenage boy and girl—dressed in traditional nineteenth-century costumes—lie dead. But this is no ordinary tragedy, because these are no ordinary teenagers. As the son and daughter of high-ranking Soviet officials, they attend the most elite school in Moscow. Was it an accident, or murder? Is it a conspiracy against Stalin, or one of his own terrifying intrigues?

On Stalin’s instructions, a ruthless investigation begins into what becomes known as the Children’s Case. Youth across the city are arrested and forced to testify against their friends and their parents. As families are ripped apart, all kinds of secrets come spilling out. Trapped at the center of this witch-hunt are two pairs of illicit lovers, who learn that matters of the heart exact a terrible price. By turns a darkly sophisticated political thriller, a rich historical saga, and a deeply human love story, Montefiore’s masterful novel powerfully portrays the terror and drama of Stalin’s Russia.

Review:

This book was captivating! I got hooked in by the characters and by the story!

Based loosely on a true story, the story takes place in Moscow just after World War Two. After two of their friends are shot on a bridge, children get brought in for questioning and a bunch of different things unfold. Known as the Children’s Case, we as the readers get a glimpse into Soviet law and justice. We learn about Stalin and his relationships with his general and ministers of his party, as well as we learn about the American soldiers and their role in the Soviet Union right after the war. This story is beautifully written, and we get a glimpse of history that is both intriguing and a bit frightening!

If you love historical fiction, and enjoy reading about the Soviet Union, then this is the book for you!

Happy Reading Bookworms!