The premise of this book is intriguing. Descriptions of the Soviet Union, Lenin, repercussions for Ukraine, emigration and insight into human nature are compelling and stories depicting heartache are raw and real. Though the blurb grabbed my attention, my reading experience was not enjoyable. Some details are crude and distracting and something about the writing style didn't connect with me. I did not like or care about the people involved. It may just be a matter of it's not you, it's me.

This book I found a little hard to get into. I found myself reading it then wondering what I had read. It didn't seem to go anywhere. The gist of it is about a girl Lena who grows up. It follows her going to a pioneer summer camp. Then how she gets into medical school. Against the backdrop of the war. Then it changes to a girl called Edi and a girl called Tatjana. I didn't really see a point to this book. It seems it was about whether they should stay or emigrate. Which I had to look up. I thought about reading it again but couldnt bring myself to do it. The one star I have awarded because it was interesting reading about Lena getting into medical school. I found it very dull. I'm sorry but I always have to be honest when doing a review.

wanted to read Glorious People because of its relevance to the current political situation, and it is an incredibly well-written book. So well-written, in fact, that I can’t finish it.

I’m from a post-Soviet country that (just like Ukraine), been oppressed and occupied by Russia for what feels like forever, and while I can deeply relate to the themes in this book, it just hits a little too close to home. Reading, for me, has always been an escape, and this story is a reminder of the harsh reality that’s already waiting right outside my door.

I wish I had the emotional capacity to finish it, because it deserves to be read, but I just can't.