Russian Winter

In Russian Winter, author Daphne Kalotay takes readers behind the Iron Curtain to observe the life of prima ballerina, Nina Revskaya.  Through flashbacks to a Russian winter and scenes in present day Boston, a completely believable and captivating mystery unfolds.  A mystery involving the ballet, jewels, poetry, and a letter.  I loved this book for three reasons.  First, this book allowed me to learn about the constraints of Stalinist society from an artist's point of view.  Second, Nina's actions and reactions were incredibly true to her character.  Third, the mystery was completely believable.  While I love the ballet and jewelry, it is the raw feelings of regret and loss that made the story and its characters so authentic from beginning to end.