Review: Maidenhair

Maidenhair by Mikhail Shishkin

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



Maidenhair by Mikhail Shishkin explores the stories of war and peace throughout the 20th century, from Russia to Europe and beyond. The story is told through an interpreter for those who are seeking asylum, letters to his son and also through the diaries of a Russian singer.

Although specific passages are superbly written throughout this book, the fact that the three (and sometimes it seemed like more) narratives don't quite fit together in my mind. It is by no means an easy book to read if you are looking for something light. The writing is worth it to explore, but don't expect to understand just what is happening in the book. In fact, the only parts I found comprehensible at all (that is, without flights of fancy, fairy tales and historic references weaved throughout a specific narrative) were the diary entries written by the young Russian singer, which don't actually start in the book until at least a 1/3 of the way through.

If you are interested in a story told in an uncommon way, you will want to check this out. Otherwise, you may want to choose something else for your next read.

*Reviewer received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads



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