Welcome to Shelf Control!
This wonderful book meme is hosted by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies! It features books that are sitting right on our shelves or e-readers, that we want to read, but have just not gotten to as yet.
Here's my pick for this week!
The Summer of the Barshinskeys
Hardcover, 465 pages
Crown, First Edition
August 22,1984
British Literature, HIstorical Fiction,
Romance
From the Goodreads Synopsis
"Although the story
of the Barshinskeys, which became our story, too, stretched over many
summers and winters, that golden time of 1902 was when our strange,
involved relationship began, when our youthful longing for the exotic,
for the fulfillment of dreams not even dreamed, took a solid and
restless hold upon us."
So recounts Sophie Wolloughby as she remembers that magical English summer afternoon in the season of King Edward VII's coronation and at the end of the Boer War; that dreamlike lull in time when the hedgerows were smothered in elderflowers and the meadow air was sweet with haymaking. With her brother, Edwin, her sister, Lillian, Sophie listened to the seductive strains of the wild Russian violin tune Mr. Barshinskey played and watched spellbound as the ragtag Barshinskey family-Ivan, sullen and dirty; Mrs. Barshinskey, pale and withdrawn; and Galina, sensual, wanton, beautiful-made their way across Tyler's meadow and into the Willoughby's world.
The delighted Willoughby children could not know that this day and the Barshinskeys' arrival would change their lives forever-much as a breathless Europe could not anticipate that in a few short years, winds of revolution and war would whip across continents, sweeping away the old familiar way of life.
It is at this enchanted moment that The Summer of the Barshinskeys begins. A beautifully told, compelling story that moves from the small village of Kent to teeming London, from war-torn and revolution rocked Moscow to St. Petersburg, this is the unforgettable saga of two families whose destinies are fated to entwine in endless combinations of friendship, passion, hatred and love.
So recounts Sophie Wolloughby as she remembers that magical English summer afternoon in the season of King Edward VII's coronation and at the end of the Boer War; that dreamlike lull in time when the hedgerows were smothered in elderflowers and the meadow air was sweet with haymaking. With her brother, Edwin, her sister, Lillian, Sophie listened to the seductive strains of the wild Russian violin tune Mr. Barshinskey played and watched spellbound as the ragtag Barshinskey family-Ivan, sullen and dirty; Mrs. Barshinskey, pale and withdrawn; and Galina, sensual, wanton, beautiful-made their way across Tyler's meadow and into the Willoughby's world.
The delighted Willoughby children could not know that this day and the Barshinskeys' arrival would change their lives forever-much as a breathless Europe could not anticipate that in a few short years, winds of revolution and war would whip across continents, sweeping away the old familiar way of life.
It is at this enchanted moment that The Summer of the Barshinskeys begins. A beautifully told, compelling story that moves from the small village of Kent to teeming London, from war-torn and revolution rocked Moscow to St. Petersburg, this is the unforgettable saga of two families whose destinies are fated to entwine in endless combinations of friendship, passion, hatred and love.
How I Got It
I've tried to remember, but I really can't....I've had this book sitting on my shelves for at least 15 years!! I must have gotten it at some used books bookstore.
When I Got It
I don't remember the exact date, either. All I know is that it's been sitting on my shelves much too long, waiting to be read!
Why I Want To Read It
I really need to read more historical fiction, as this is one of my favorite genres. However, I've allowed paranormal romance and urban fantasy to take control of my reading to such an extent that I haven't read historical fiction for the longest time....I HAVE read historical romance, but that's not quite the same thing. This particular novel strikes a chord with me, for some reason. Perhaps it's because there are Russian characters in it. I've been fascinated with 19th-century Russian culture for the longest time....Hopefully I'll get to this book soon!!
What do you think of this book?
Have you read it, and if so,
did you like it?
Please leave a comment and
let me know!
4 comments:
This sounds good.
The synopsis is interesting. In particular I found the connection with King Edward VII's coronation and the last days of European peace. I just read Barbara Tuchman's non fiction book The Guns of August. This book begins with Edward's funeral, which Tuchman sees as the end of the era of European royalty and the beginning of the era of terrible war.
A fictional account of individuals living on these waning days of peace is for many reasons appealing.
Sounds interesting! I've never heard of it, but the plot and setting seem great. I hope you enjoy!
Hey, Brian!
Yes, this book does sound VERY interesting! In regards to Edward VII, I remember reading, in a book titled "Nicholas and Alexandra", by Robert K. Massie (it was later made into a movie, which won two Oscars), that his father King George V, was related to Tsar Nicholas II. They were cousins. Totally fascinating, I think!!
"The Guns of August" is another book I've been wanting to read. I really should read more history and historical fiction, as both are very, very interesting!
I will try to read this novel as soon as I possibly can!
Thanks so much for commenting!! :)
Hi, Lisa!
I really don't understand why I haven't read this book yet. It does sound SO fascinating.... I know I'll enjoy it when I get to it!!
Thanks for the comment!! :)
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