I enjoyed this one a lot! I've read more historical fiction than I usually do this year and I've discovered more information about the WWII time period because of it. It's interesting and upsetting to see how people like Tatiana had to live in the Soviet Union during this time period. 
 The second half of the book really kept me from giving it a 4.5 or 5 out of 5 stars. I felt like the characterization of Alexander was really off. The way he acted when he got angry, specifically with Tatiana, surprised me. I know men had more power/influence over women in that time period, but Tatiana is presented as such I strong individual that I found it shocking that she let Alexander treat her that way. 
 Overall, this was a pretty good read and I'm excited to read the next one in this series.