A short historical fiction, set in Russia around the siege of Leningrad (Saint Petersburg), The Girl from the Hermitage by Molly Gartland might be for you.

The plot:

It is December 1941, and 8-year-old Galina and her friend Vera are caught in the siege of Leningrad, eating wallpaper soup and dead rats. Galina’s artist father Mikhail has been kept away from the front to help save the treasures of the Hermitage. Its cellars could provide a safe haven, as long as Mikhail can survive the perils of a commission from one of Stalin’s colonels.

Three decades on, Galina is a teacher at the Leningrad Art Institute. What ought to be a celebratory weekend at her forest dacha turns sour when she makes an unwelcome discovery. The old Soviet Union makes way for the new Russia and her world changes out of all recognition.

I adored the author’s writing

This book definitely starts off as a difficult read with the topic, especially when comparing the privilege with the hardship. As the story goes on, it becomes totally fascinating with its character development.

The Girl from the Hermitage is split into four parts, travelling from 1941, to 1979, 1999, with part 4 set in 2016. I enjoyed this format in a way, as you don’t flick between and it’s logical, but on the other hand, you miss big events which I think would’ve made it a more emotive read.

There are a lot of characters to follow, and I wish that there were a few built-upon near the beginning of the book, however the silence speaks a thousand words! There’s a quote on the front of the book which says it takes you “right into the characters’ world” and I couldn’t agree anymore – whilst some characters do take a step back, others really shine through with their characteristics.

Nearing the end, it does feel realistic, especially as you’ve been following the ‘girl’ who has now aged significantly.

I thought there would be more reference to the past later on in the book (minor moments of reflection), but I guess this is how you read in to the story – it could be about the character development and how our past affects our future.

Themes include: politics, war, family relationships and hardship. A quick read with lots of conversation to match the superb descriptions.

A great, 3-star debut and I’m really looking forward to what topic the author takes on next! I adored the author’s writing – it’s poetic with its descriptions of people and places, but there was just something missing which I can’t put my finger on.

The Girl from the Hermitage, Molly Gartland, RRP £8.99 (paperback); Book Depository 

Pages: 284

Publisher: Lightning Books

Genre: Historical Fiction