In this timely novel set in Ukraine the author depicts a deeply troubled period in the country's history, the 1930s to the 1950s, with great clarity and concision.

The narrative centres on Debora and the sacrifices she has to make, the manipulative behaviour she must adopt, to survive and to protect the people she loves, living in constant fear under a brutally repressive regime, and through WW2.

There are some fascinating characters, Debora of course, and also her second husband, Maslov. His work involves the worst brutality, but he is a mass of contradictions in his home life, inadequate in his relationship with his wife, loving towards his children, but always horribly controlling.

The whole novel raises the question of how much people can endure. In such horrific situations there are no happy endings.

A wonderfully powerful novel which I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley with thanks.

This novel follows the life and times of a young Jewish lady as she traverses 1930s Ukraine. She finds love, work and life in Kharkiv, gong from a naive youngster to a worldly-wise and strong woman. She is a very likeable character (As is Samuel who plays a big part in her life.) This novel is historically accurate, very moving and well worth the read!

In "No Country for Love," Yaroslav Trofimov masterfully transports us to the heart of 1930s Ukraine, a landscape rife with upheaval and transformation. This gripping novel tells the story of Deborah Rosenbaum, a spirited seventeen-year-old with a passion for literature and a hunger for a modern life, far removed from the stale conventions of the past. Trofimov's portrayal of Deborah's journey, set against the backdrop of the nascent Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, is both poignant and compelling.

The author's vivid depiction of Kharkiv in the 1930s is a character in its own right. The city, brimming with new ideologies and architecture that symbolizes the dawn of the Soviet era, serves as the perfect stage for Deborah's ambitions. Her encounter and ensuing romance with Samuel, a young and charismatic officer-in-training, adds a deeply personal layer to the narrative. Their love story, tender yet fraught with challenges, mirrors the tumultuous times they live in.

Trofimov's narrative prowess shines as he navigates through the complex layers of history, personal struggle, and cultural shifts. The descent of Ukraine, and Deborah's life, into the throes of famine, ideological conflicts, and the horrors of World War II, is heart-wrenchingly captured. The author does not shy away from depicting the stark realities of the era, making Deborah’s journey a symbol of resilience and the human spirit's indomitable will to survive.

What stands out in Trofimov's writing is his ability to weave a deeply human story against a grand historical tapestry. Deborah's evolution, from a naive teenager to a woman who must renounce her identity and dreams for survival, is both moving and inspiring. Her struggles as a mother, her internal conflicts amidst rising anti-Semitism, and her forced decisions, all paint a vivid picture of a woman embodying the spirit of a nation caught in the crossfire of history.

"No Country for Love" is more than just a historical novel; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of insurmountable odds. Trofimov's skillful blending of historical accuracy with compelling storytelling makes this book a must-read. As a reader, I was not only enthralled by Deborah's story but also left with a profound sense of admiration for her strength and perseverance.

I eagerly await more works by Yaroslav Trofimov. His ability to bring history to life and create characters that resonate with emotional depth is truly remarkable. "No Country for Love" is not just a novel; it's an experience, a journey through a pivotal time in history, seen through the eyes of a remarkably resilient woman. A highly recommended read for anyone who cherishes historical fiction with a powerful human core.