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All That Is Solid Melts into Air: A Novel
All That Is Solid Melts into Air is a gripping end-of-empire novel, charting the collapse of the Soviet Union through the focalpoint of the Chernobyl disaster. Part historical epic, part love story, it recalls The English Patient in its mix of emotional intimacy and sweeping landscape.
In a run-down apartment block in Moscow, a nine-year-old piano prodigy practices silently for fear of disturbing the neighbors.
In a factory on the outskirts of the city, his aunt makes car parts, trying to hide her dissident past.
In the hospital, a leading surgeon buries himself deep in his work to avoid facing his failed marriage.
And in a rural village in the Ukraine, a teenage boy wakes up to a sky of the deepest crimson. In the fields, the ears of the cattle are dripping blood. Ten miles away, at the Chernobyl Power Plant, something unimaginable has happened.
Now their lives will change forever.
All That Is Solid Melts Into Air is an astonishing end-of-empire novel by a major new talent.
In a run-down apartment block in Moscow, a nine-year-old piano prodigy practices silently for fear of disturbing the neighbors.
In a factory on the outskirts of the city, his aunt makes car parts, trying to hide her dissident past.
In the hospital, a leading surgeon buries himself deep in his work to avoid facing his failed marriage.
And in a rural village in the Ukraine, a teenage boy wakes up to a sky of the deepest crimson. In the fields, the ears of the cattle are dripping blood. Ten miles away, at the Chernobyl Power Plant, something unimaginable has happened.
Now their lives will change forever.
All That Is Solid Melts Into Air is an astonishing end-of-empire novel by a major new talent.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2014
148 people are currently reading
6975 people want to read
About the author
Darragh McKeon
2 books62 followersFrom Ireland, Darragh McKeon has worked as a theatre director throughout Europe and the USA. He lives in New York. All That is Solid Melts Into Air is his debut novel.
www.darraghmckeon.com
www.darraghmckeon.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 429 reviews
April 29, 2014
Psssst...This is now available. April 29.
It took me a long time to read this book. There's a lot going on here, and it requires some concentration to keep track of all the characters in various locations as they weave in and out of each other's lives. Along with an account of the aftermath of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, we also follow the lives of other Soviet citizens in the years leading up to the revolution that shattered the Iron Curtain. We see the unrest and the despair resulting from a life under a regime that uses fear tactics to keep people from speaking the truth or fighting the system.
Here in the U.S. we love to criticize our government, and we're fortunate to have the right to do so. We're also fortunate to have a government with limited powers. In his portrayal of Soviet life, McKeon gives us a taste of what it's like to live under a government that controls every aspect of one's life. They assign you a career and a living space, withhold vital information from the public, and punish even the smallest attempts at self-determination.
When I sat down to write my review and looked over the passages I had marked, I was reminded of how masterful Darragh McKeon is at creating striking imagery, even for the most simple of events. For example, when Maria is remembering the day her marriage to Grigory ended, and she left their apartment for the last time, here is the picture:
“She can still see the way he stood in their small vestibule, between the large mirror on the wall and the small oval one on the coat stand. Both mirrors bounced his reflection between them, so that before closing the door for the last time, Maria found herself leaving not just him but an endless multitude of him. Standing there, his shoulders wrapped in heartbreak.” (page 257)
Alina is a single mother relegated to a life of drudgery, taking in laundry and ironing to make ends meet. This is what her meltdown looks like:
“...she remembers she's left the iron on. She moves to unplug it, does so, and leans against the counter. A shirtsleeve lifts in a stream of breeze, and she turns to the freshly pressed shirts lined up on their hangers, and reaches over and drags them all down, dropping with them. She grabs the whole bunch of them and wrings them into a bundle and bites them, bites down hard, stifling a scream, and they lie there, twisted, until Maria comes home.” (page 332)
There are treasures like this sprinkled throughout the story, and for me these images were a large part of what made the book worth reading. I am not fond of novels written in present tense, and that's probably my only serious criticism of the book. I do still recommend it though, because McKeon's writing was masterful enough to help me overcome my distaste for the verb tense.
I thought the ending was a little too pat, although I can understand McKeon's desire to inject some positivity and hope into what is otherwise a bleak narrative. The redemption to be found in this story is in the way it shows that amid the most dire, hopeless circumstances, there are people whose basic humanity compels them to be kind, even when it means putting themselves at great peril.
It took me a long time to read this book. There's a lot going on here, and it requires some concentration to keep track of all the characters in various locations as they weave in and out of each other's lives. Along with an account of the aftermath of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, we also follow the lives of other Soviet citizens in the years leading up to the revolution that shattered the Iron Curtain. We see the unrest and the despair resulting from a life under a regime that uses fear tactics to keep people from speaking the truth or fighting the system.
Here in the U.S. we love to criticize our government, and we're fortunate to have the right to do so. We're also fortunate to have a government with limited powers. In his portrayal of Soviet life, McKeon gives us a taste of what it's like to live under a government that controls every aspect of one's life. They assign you a career and a living space, withhold vital information from the public, and punish even the smallest attempts at self-determination.
When I sat down to write my review and looked over the passages I had marked, I was reminded of how masterful Darragh McKeon is at creating striking imagery, even for the most simple of events. For example, when Maria is remembering the day her marriage to Grigory ended, and she left their apartment for the last time, here is the picture:
“She can still see the way he stood in their small vestibule, between the large mirror on the wall and the small oval one on the coat stand. Both mirrors bounced his reflection between them, so that before closing the door for the last time, Maria found herself leaving not just him but an endless multitude of him. Standing there, his shoulders wrapped in heartbreak.” (page 257)
Alina is a single mother relegated to a life of drudgery, taking in laundry and ironing to make ends meet. This is what her meltdown looks like:
“...she remembers she's left the iron on. She moves to unplug it, does so, and leans against the counter. A shirtsleeve lifts in a stream of breeze, and she turns to the freshly pressed shirts lined up on their hangers, and reaches over and drags them all down, dropping with them. She grabs the whole bunch of them and wrings them into a bundle and bites them, bites down hard, stifling a scream, and they lie there, twisted, until Maria comes home.” (page 332)
There are treasures like this sprinkled throughout the story, and for me these images were a large part of what made the book worth reading. I am not fond of novels written in present tense, and that's probably my only serious criticism of the book. I do still recommend it though, because McKeon's writing was masterful enough to help me overcome my distaste for the verb tense.
I thought the ending was a little too pat, although I can understand McKeon's desire to inject some positivity and hope into what is otherwise a bleak narrative. The redemption to be found in this story is in the way it shows that amid the most dire, hopeless circumstances, there are people whose basic humanity compels them to be kind, even when it means putting themselves at great peril.
November 23, 2014
All that is Solid Melts into Air tells the story of the Soviet Union in 1986. A nine year-old piano prodigy continuously falling victim to bullies, a surgeon throwing himself into his work to avoid the emotion pain of a failed marriage, a former dissident struggling to free herself from political constraints. Everyday Russians trying to make life work in this repressed state; that was until a disaster in Ukraine changes things.
Most people who know me know that I am a fan of Russian literature and books set in Russia. The Cold War years are of particular interest to me, the social and political unrest makes for a haunting backdrop for great story telling. When I head that All that is Solid Melts into Air was this year’s answer to A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, it was all I needed to buy this book. While reading the book I found out the novel centred around the Chernobyl nuclear accident which just gave that extra element to turn this into a new favourite.
I have never read a novel about the Chernobyl disaster before and I am struggling to think of other books that focus on this historical event. So I was pleased to have a new insight on a situation I hope to never experience. This was a beautiful and haunting tale of Russians living life and the connections they make along the way. However little gems like the controversial idea of implementing safety measure pre-disaster and the Soviet Union’s efforts to cover the accident up really helped make this novel great.
The title is taken from a line in The Communist Manifesto, which is quoted before the novel kicks off. This is an interesting quote to add, not just to give a reference to the title but the implications of what to expect within the novel. As Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels theorise in their political manifesto, “The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles”.
“All that is solid melts into air, all that is holy is profaned, and man is at last compelled to face with sober senses, his real conditions of life, and his relations with his kind.” – Karl Marx (The Communist Manifesto)
While this is a strong character driven novel, it is not the personal but political transgressions that stood out for me. All that is Solid Melts into Air is set in a time where the Iron Curtain is beginning to collapse; things are drastically changing and then the disaster involving the Chernobyl Power Plant throws the people into civil unrest. While the book focuses on a few characters the overall theme is one of class struggles. The Russian people struggling against the Soviet government; the fear and repression rules stronger than the radioactive atmosphere. An interesting concept considering the communist society that Marx wrote about was nothing like the political government at the time.
I am a little sad to see this gem has remained under the radar; All that is Solid Melts into Air deserves so much more attention. Despite that horrific setting, this is a novel of great beauty with visceral portrayals of both people and places. The struggle the people go through is handled with tender care and empathy. It is hard to believe that Darragh McKeon is a debut author; much like Anthony Marra, I am eagerly awaiting his next novel. All that is Solid Melts into Air is a new favourite and you can expect it to be near the top of my ‘best of 2014’ list.
This review originally appeared on my blog: http://literary-exploration.com/2014/...
Most people who know me know that I am a fan of Russian literature and books set in Russia. The Cold War years are of particular interest to me, the social and political unrest makes for a haunting backdrop for great story telling. When I head that All that is Solid Melts into Air was this year’s answer to A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, it was all I needed to buy this book. While reading the book I found out the novel centred around the Chernobyl nuclear accident which just gave that extra element to turn this into a new favourite.
I have never read a novel about the Chernobyl disaster before and I am struggling to think of other books that focus on this historical event. So I was pleased to have a new insight on a situation I hope to never experience. This was a beautiful and haunting tale of Russians living life and the connections they make along the way. However little gems like the controversial idea of implementing safety measure pre-disaster and the Soviet Union’s efforts to cover the accident up really helped make this novel great.
The title is taken from a line in The Communist Manifesto, which is quoted before the novel kicks off. This is an interesting quote to add, not just to give a reference to the title but the implications of what to expect within the novel. As Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels theorise in their political manifesto, “The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles”.
“All that is solid melts into air, all that is holy is profaned, and man is at last compelled to face with sober senses, his real conditions of life, and his relations with his kind.” – Karl Marx (The Communist Manifesto)
While this is a strong character driven novel, it is not the personal but political transgressions that stood out for me. All that is Solid Melts into Air is set in a time where the Iron Curtain is beginning to collapse; things are drastically changing and then the disaster involving the Chernobyl Power Plant throws the people into civil unrest. While the book focuses on a few characters the overall theme is one of class struggles. The Russian people struggling against the Soviet government; the fear and repression rules stronger than the radioactive atmosphere. An interesting concept considering the communist society that Marx wrote about was nothing like the political government at the time.
I am a little sad to see this gem has remained under the radar; All that is Solid Melts into Air deserves so much more attention. Despite that horrific setting, this is a novel of great beauty with visceral portrayals of both people and places. The struggle the people go through is handled with tender care and empathy. It is hard to believe that Darragh McKeon is a debut author; much like Anthony Marra, I am eagerly awaiting his next novel. All that is Solid Melts into Air is a new favourite and you can expect it to be near the top of my ‘best of 2014’ list.
This review originally appeared on my blog: http://literary-exploration.com/2014/...
March 10, 2015
I loved this book which is probably a surprising response to a book that tells the story of the people who lived around Chernobyl at the time of the meltdown.. The story of Soviet sheer incompetence is mind boggling. This is fiction, but describes what happened to people living around the failed nuclear reactor. The oppression of the Soviet system is described in numbing detail. Yet the humanity of the characters shines through. It is a tribute to the human spirit that some survived this disaster and the Soviet regime. Readers can't help but think of the resistance to the current Russian invasion of the Ukraine, a country whose people I've met and known are fiercely nationalist. Russian history is full of tragic sagas, as is the Ukraine. The link with Ireland is that for decades the Irish have had a charity called Chernobyl Children - http://chernobyl-international.com/
Despite the dark theme, this is a hopeful book.
Despite the dark theme, this is a hopeful book.
July 17, 2014
I don't want to totally trash this book because it was really well-written but I don't understand how someone can take a topic as fascinating as Chernobyl and how it caused a fundamental crack in the Soviet state and make it unbearably boring. I cared about one of the roughly ten or so featured characters, mainly because most were given almost no depth or conclusion, and those that were given something to work with were completely unfulfilling. I think it was well-researched, especially in terms of the Chernobyl cleanup and the propaganda spread to keep the news out of the Russian press, but this is fiction and the depth of the story/characters came nowhere near the depth of the facts. I always finish everything I read, but this took me so long not because it was challenging or long but because I just didn't care enough about it, which is too bad. I was really looking forward to it. Also, I felt at times that it was trying really hard to be deep and profound but it was lacking the sincerity that actual deep/profound literature possesses.
January 17, 2015
This books reminded me a lot of A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, only set in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster instead of the Chechen war. The book has the same dark themes and a similar structure of interlocking threads moving in circles around each other and through time -- a doctor sent to deal with the fallout, his ex-wife working in a factory that could benefit from some organized labor, her nephew who could become a piano prodigy if it were a different time and a different place, a family uprooted by the hanging clouds of radiation.
I don't really know what else to say about this book, except I never would have guessed that someone could write about a nuclear meltdown with such beautiful language. McKeon can write, and this book is worth your time for his prose alone. Even when he's describing horrific scenes, soldiers killing pets exposed to radiation or what it's like to die from radiation poisoning, it sticks with you. His description of the actual explosion itself deserves an award. There are times when the main threads move a little slowly and I suspect that I may have been moved a little more if I had more context -- this is as much my fault as the author's, I just know so little about the years leading up to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
I don't really know what else to say about this book, except I never would have guessed that someone could write about a nuclear meltdown with such beautiful language. McKeon can write, and this book is worth your time for his prose alone. Even when he's describing horrific scenes, soldiers killing pets exposed to radiation or what it's like to die from radiation poisoning, it sticks with you. His description of the actual explosion itself deserves an award. There are times when the main threads move a little slowly and I suspect that I may have been moved a little more if I had more context -- this is as much my fault as the author's, I just know so little about the years leading up to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
January 28, 2016
Wow. This was an incredible read: lush, lyrical prose on a sentence-by-sentence level, with breathtaking imagery and description. The stories of the four main characters were introduced separately but woven together like a fine tapestry.
I can’t say enough about this book. In fact, I don’t know why it didn’t garner higher acclaim and far more reviews than it did. For me, it was THAT good and shed such a necessary light on a topic that is still covered up today, despite its lasting repercussions: the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
I was in the eighth grade when the event occurred in 1986, so – naturally, as a 13-year-old interested mostly in boys, it wasn’t on my radar. Of course, I’d heard about it, but even years later, the name would pop up -- yet with no real conversation of the horrors resulting from the event (mostly because its realities had been purposely hidden/disguised from public consciousness). This fictional novel exposes those realities and had me running to the Internet to look up every possible documentary and You Tube video about its subject. That, readers, is testament to an author who has done his job. After my own research, I am still in shock about the things I didn’t know…
This book also delves into the oppression of living under Communist rule and takes place three years before the Berlin Wall comes down; it sheds light on the political unrest (and the impact of politics on personal lives), but does so without being preachy or text-booky (I'm not hugely political). I’ve said it before, but I will repeat myself: historical fiction like this should be mandatory reading in high school classrooms. What a fabulous way to introduce significant historical events and political ideologies… in an engaging BOOK with fully developed characters, its own love story, a story of family relationships, a story of duty to/fear of country and dreams. It’s all about dreaming big, as well.
My only regret: that it took me so long to get to this book, which has been on my shelf since it came out in 2014. I can't wait to see what this author writes next! I am off to one heck of a start with my reading this year. Three cheers!
I can’t say enough about this book. In fact, I don’t know why it didn’t garner higher acclaim and far more reviews than it did. For me, it was THAT good and shed such a necessary light on a topic that is still covered up today, despite its lasting repercussions: the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
I was in the eighth grade when the event occurred in 1986, so – naturally, as a 13-year-old interested mostly in boys, it wasn’t on my radar. Of course, I’d heard about it, but even years later, the name would pop up -- yet with no real conversation of the horrors resulting from the event (mostly because its realities had been purposely hidden/disguised from public consciousness). This fictional novel exposes those realities and had me running to the Internet to look up every possible documentary and You Tube video about its subject. That, readers, is testament to an author who has done his job. After my own research, I am still in shock about the things I didn’t know…
This book also delves into the oppression of living under Communist rule and takes place three years before the Berlin Wall comes down; it sheds light on the political unrest (and the impact of politics on personal lives), but does so without being preachy or text-booky (I'm not hugely political). I’ve said it before, but I will repeat myself: historical fiction like this should be mandatory reading in high school classrooms. What a fabulous way to introduce significant historical events and political ideologies… in an engaging BOOK with fully developed characters, its own love story, a story of family relationships, a story of duty to/fear of country and dreams. It’s all about dreaming big, as well.
My only regret: that it took me so long to get to this book, which has been on my shelf since it came out in 2014. I can't wait to see what this author writes next! I am off to one heck of a start with my reading this year. Three cheers!
September 14, 2017
Need to think over my feelings on this one. Right now it's a 3.5 for me. It was enjoyable but the pacing was strange and, quite honestly, distracting.
August 25, 2015
I was excited to read this as many of my GR friends rated it four or five stars. For some reason, it just didn't resonate with me. I found it hard to get into and the characters seemed thinly fleshed out and hard to like. The book was hard going for me, I had to keep picking it back up to finish it. I probably would have stopped reading halfway through were it not for the fact it was a quarterly read by one of my groups here. The three stars reflect the portrayal of the Chernobyl incident, which I found interesting, especially the incompetence and lack of caring shown by the government.
July 7, 2015
This debut novel by Irish author Darragh McKeon has been widely lauded by critics and other writers alike, and after reading the book, one can understand exactly why.
Set mainly in the USSR in 1989 in the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the narrative follows a number of different characters and tells the story of the after effects of the accident, both environmentally and on humans, the resulting government cover up, as well as giving the reader the sense of the beginnings of dissent amongst the ordinary workers, which would eventually lead the the ending of the totalitarian regime a few years later.
We follow music prodigy Yevgeni as he tries to survive in the public school system, his mother Alina and aunt Maria, who live together and struggle to make ends meet after the death of Alina's husband and the estrangement of Maria's husband Grigory for reasons which eventually become apparent. We follow said Grigory, a successful surgeon as he deals with the aftermath of the tragedy, and through his interaction with Artyom, a young teenager and his family, we learn of the fate of the people of Pripyat, the town closest to the plant, and of the effects that the official policy has on the clean up operation.
McKeon details some of the research he completed in the writing of this novel at the back of the book, and the detail is impressive, but it's the way that he is able to recreate the lives of people in a civilisation so different from our own at such a difficult time in such a vivid way that's so remarkable. The book is shocking at times, both in the visual pictures it paints and in how it exposes the hypocrisy of government policy, but at the same time is a coming of age tale, as well as a tale of love, loss and hope through the different threads of the narrative.
One of the gushing quotes on the front of the novel is by Colum McCann, and if this book reminds me of another Irish writer, it would be him. He says that McKeon is here to stay-on the strength of this book, I hope that he is right!
Set mainly in the USSR in 1989 in the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the narrative follows a number of different characters and tells the story of the after effects of the accident, both environmentally and on humans, the resulting government cover up, as well as giving the reader the sense of the beginnings of dissent amongst the ordinary workers, which would eventually lead the the ending of the totalitarian regime a few years later.
We follow music prodigy Yevgeni as he tries to survive in the public school system, his mother Alina and aunt Maria, who live together and struggle to make ends meet after the death of Alina's husband and the estrangement of Maria's husband Grigory for reasons which eventually become apparent. We follow said Grigory, a successful surgeon as he deals with the aftermath of the tragedy, and through his interaction with Artyom, a young teenager and his family, we learn of the fate of the people of Pripyat, the town closest to the plant, and of the effects that the official policy has on the clean up operation.
McKeon details some of the research he completed in the writing of this novel at the back of the book, and the detail is impressive, but it's the way that he is able to recreate the lives of people in a civilisation so different from our own at such a difficult time in such a vivid way that's so remarkable. The book is shocking at times, both in the visual pictures it paints and in how it exposes the hypocrisy of government policy, but at the same time is a coming of age tale, as well as a tale of love, loss and hope through the different threads of the narrative.
One of the gushing quotes on the front of the novel is by Colum McCann, and if this book reminds me of another Irish writer, it would be him. He says that McKeon is here to stay-on the strength of this book, I hope that he is right!
February 6, 2017
Yesterday, I finished reading ALL THAT IS SOLID MELTS INTO AIR. Today, I already miss the people in the book terribly. Yes, I know they are fictional characters; that is the magic that fuels this novel. Darrogh McKeon has created full-bodied, living, breathing, feeling characters – mistreated, yet resilient; impassive, yet loyal; flawed, yet perfect. Add to that the author’s beautiful prose, his amazing talent for descriptive storytelling, and this is a book that will linger in my mind for years.
If you’re looking for a thrilling page-tuner or a happily-ever-after story, this is not the book for you. It explores the impact not only of the Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster in 1986, but also the horrible repercussions of an oppressive Soviet regime on its people. In the paperback edition, the author also includes a closing essay that details the continued and tragic health and quality-of-life consequences suffered by the people of the region more than 25 years later.
This is a book that will make you cringe, and weep, and think, and worry. It is sad. It is terrifying. And yet, it is exquisite in so many ways. As a reader, I was blown away by its beauty and depth. As an author, I was envious as hell. McKeon has raised the bar for my future reading and writing.
If you’re looking for a thrilling page-tuner or a happily-ever-after story, this is not the book for you. It explores the impact not only of the Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster in 1986, but also the horrible repercussions of an oppressive Soviet regime on its people. In the paperback edition, the author also includes a closing essay that details the continued and tragic health and quality-of-life consequences suffered by the people of the region more than 25 years later.
This is a book that will make you cringe, and weep, and think, and worry. It is sad. It is terrifying. And yet, it is exquisite in so many ways. As a reader, I was blown away by its beauty and depth. As an author, I was envious as hell. McKeon has raised the bar for my future reading and writing.
April 6, 2019
I realize that I had left this review out when I was doing my updates.
All That is Solid follows the aftermath of Chernobyl - the story is beautifully written with imagery that encompasses the atmosphere of Soviet Russia at the time. The character-driven narrative really shines through with how these families have dealt with oppression and the fallout.
It is surprising this is both the debut novel and the only novel that Daragh McKeon has written (since 2014), as it shows a true testament to a great author in the making.
3.8/5
All That is Solid follows the aftermath of Chernobyl - the story is beautifully written with imagery that encompasses the atmosphere of Soviet Russia at the time. The character-driven narrative really shines through with how these families have dealt with oppression and the fallout.
It is surprising this is both the debut novel and the only novel that Daragh McKeon has written (since 2014), as it shows a true testament to a great author in the making.
3.8/5
October 17, 2016
I found it hard to get into this book. The first fifty pages were slow going. I found the subject matter very depressing,i.e.,huge numbers of people dying unnecessarily after the Chernobyl disaster. I did like the author's description of the vivid colors in the sky. I rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars(rounded down to 3).
if-it-is-the-last-book-on-earth
August 28, 2019Nepabeidzu.
Tas skumjais gadījums, kad autoram ļooooooooti patīk paša teksts, un par varoņiem un sižetu vispār aizmirst.
Tas skumjais gadījums, kad autoram ļooooooooti patīk paša teksts, un par varoņiem un sižetu vispār aizmirst.
June 16, 2017
Un libro notable.
El desastre de Chernóbil y la descomposición de la Unión Soviética le sirven al autor como excusa y escenario (nunca cómo protagonistas) para hablar de cómo las personas gestionamos la soledad, el individualismo, el abuso de poder, los sueños rotos, el sálvese quien pueda, el sacrificio redentor...
Su poso es más complejo y profundo de lo que parece mientras la lees, y casi todos sus personajes tienen muchos matices.
Por otro lado, la prosa es buenísima, rica, detallista pero no pesada.
Me ha encantado la manera de escribir del autor, no parece en absoluto una primera novela, está pulidísima....
En la solapa dice que el autor la escribió a lo largo de 10 años, y creo que su único "pero", y de ahí la caída de la quinta estrella, es un pequeño bajón de ritmo y argumento alrededor de la página 200, y que dura unas 60 páginas, en las que al autor, puede que por ese dato de su escritura prolongada en el tiempo, deambula, y parece perdido, sin saber donde llevar la historia. Su prosa sigue siendo excelente pero la historia se le atasca un poco.
Más allá de eso, muy buen libro.
De nuevo Alba en su linea "Contemporánea" acierta completamente con mis gustos literarios (también lo hizo con "Un buen tipo" y con "Todo lo que no te conté"), seguiré explorando su catálogo.
El desastre de Chernóbil y la descomposición de la Unión Soviética le sirven al autor como excusa y escenario (nunca cómo protagonistas) para hablar de cómo las personas gestionamos la soledad, el individualismo, el abuso de poder, los sueños rotos, el sálvese quien pueda, el sacrificio redentor...
Su poso es más complejo y profundo de lo que parece mientras la lees, y casi todos sus personajes tienen muchos matices.
Por otro lado, la prosa es buenísima, rica, detallista pero no pesada.
Me ha encantado la manera de escribir del autor, no parece en absoluto una primera novela, está pulidísima....
En la solapa dice que el autor la escribió a lo largo de 10 años, y creo que su único "pero", y de ahí la caída de la quinta estrella, es un pequeño bajón de ritmo y argumento alrededor de la página 200, y que dura unas 60 páginas, en las que al autor, puede que por ese dato de su escritura prolongada en el tiempo, deambula, y parece perdido, sin saber donde llevar la historia. Su prosa sigue siendo excelente pero la historia se le atasca un poco.
Más allá de eso, muy buen libro.
De nuevo Alba en su linea "Contemporánea" acierta completamente con mis gustos literarios (también lo hizo con "Un buen tipo" y con "Todo lo que no te conté"), seguiré explorando su catálogo.
May 10, 2015
2.5 out of 5 stars
I originally gave this book 3 out of 5 stars, but after thinking about it I had to take it down to 2.5 because I just can't get it to 3. This actually makes me sad, because I was really looking forward to reading All That is Solid Melts Into Air, and it ended up disappointing me. It had a lot of potential and some beautiful writing... so why was I bored reading it? Especially taking into account the fact that the Chernobyl tragedy is an incredibly potent topic. Maybe the author wanted to make this book understated, but if that's the case the approach didn't work for me. There are quite a few characters, but I ended up caring about only one of them (Grigory). ONE. And this is in a setting where every single one of them is surrounded by tragedy. None of the other characters feel particularly developed—the go through actions, but I still barely know who they are as people.
Another issue I had with it was that I didn't feel like it was happening in the '80s—with a few exceptions, the majority of the book felt very modern. As someone born in Kyiv in the '80s, I can tell you the setting didn't feel right to me. The book did have a few powerful moments, particularly the parts that had to do with the tragedy and its effects directly, but I feel like I shouldn't have been looking forward to the author talking about the nuclear disaster just because I was bored otherwise. My favorite chapter, by far, was the one that described the incident—the beautiful writing combined with the horror of the event had a heartbreaking, yet almost poetic effect on me.
What I appreciate the most about All That is Solid Melts Into Air is the effort to bring attention to this tragedy, but at the same time I just can't recommend it to anyone. If you think you can stomach the truth about how Chernobyl effected people, I suggest checking out Voices from Chernobyl—a non-fiction collection of interviews with real people who had to live through this. It's really heavy stuff though, so if you just want to read up on what happened look up "Chernobyl disaster" on wikipedia.
I originally gave this book 3 out of 5 stars, but after thinking about it I had to take it down to 2.5 because I just can't get it to 3. This actually makes me sad, because I was really looking forward to reading All That is Solid Melts Into Air, and it ended up disappointing me. It had a lot of potential and some beautiful writing... so why was I bored reading it? Especially taking into account the fact that the Chernobyl tragedy is an incredibly potent topic. Maybe the author wanted to make this book understated, but if that's the case the approach didn't work for me. There are quite a few characters, but I ended up caring about only one of them (Grigory). ONE. And this is in a setting where every single one of them is surrounded by tragedy. None of the other characters feel particularly developed—the go through actions, but I still barely know who they are as people.
Another issue I had with it was that I didn't feel like it was happening in the '80s—with a few exceptions, the majority of the book felt very modern. As someone born in Kyiv in the '80s, I can tell you the setting didn't feel right to me. The book did have a few powerful moments, particularly the parts that had to do with the tragedy and its effects directly, but I feel like I shouldn't have been looking forward to the author talking about the nuclear disaster just because I was bored otherwise. My favorite chapter, by far, was the one that described the incident—the beautiful writing combined with the horror of the event had a heartbreaking, yet almost poetic effect on me.
What I appreciate the most about All That is Solid Melts Into Air is the effort to bring attention to this tragedy, but at the same time I just can't recommend it to anyone. If you think you can stomach the truth about how Chernobyl effected people, I suggest checking out Voices from Chernobyl—a non-fiction collection of interviews with real people who had to live through this. It's really heavy stuff though, so if you just want to read up on what happened look up "Chernobyl disaster" on wikipedia.
February 28, 2024
Love historical fiction and loved this. Narrative of the Chernobyl meltdown from multiple different perspectives, exposé of the Soviet Union. Beautiful storytelling and very real/emotional characters. Recommend!
November 13, 2013
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
I received this ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication is March 11th 2014.
I am a big fan of stories that take place during periods of historical significance and this story did not disappoint. I admit that I do not possess a great wealth of knowledge about Russian history or the events that occurred at Chernobyl as I was too young to be interested in the world outside my door. This is the main reason I was prompted to read this book.
What I liked about this novel is that I was able to learn more about this place in time without it feeling like I was reading a history lesson. The story was told through the characters and their journeys as opposed to just a descriptive narration of the events that occurred. I was able to feel what each of the characters was feeling and experiencing even though my life has not been remotely similar to theirs. I particularly enjoyed the story surrounding both Grigory and Maria. The remaining characters and stories while interesting in how they added an extra dimension to the book were not the main drawing points.
Those that are familiar with my reviews know that I do not like to give away any aspects of the plot however with the subject matter of this story it is obvious that this is not a happy go lucky read. These were dark times in a place where people were still struggling under the rule of the Soviet empire and add to that the disastrous events that occurred at Chernobyl that we still hear about to this day. Anyone looking for a story that is wrapped up neatly by the end of the read would be disappointed. This book instead was realistic and honest in it's portrayal of this time and I am thankful for that. Anything else would have been an injustice. I also thought that the conclusion to the story was exactly as it should been in keeping with the theme of the novel.
It is my understanding that while McKeon has written several short story that this will be his first published novel. As someone who has read numerous upon numerous novels from both experienced and novice writers I found that this was a very impressive read regardless of experience. I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of historical fiction and not afraid of a read that is a little bit of substance.
I received this ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication is March 11th 2014.
I am a big fan of stories that take place during periods of historical significance and this story did not disappoint. I admit that I do not possess a great wealth of knowledge about Russian history or the events that occurred at Chernobyl as I was too young to be interested in the world outside my door. This is the main reason I was prompted to read this book.
What I liked about this novel is that I was able to learn more about this place in time without it feeling like I was reading a history lesson. The story was told through the characters and their journeys as opposed to just a descriptive narration of the events that occurred. I was able to feel what each of the characters was feeling and experiencing even though my life has not been remotely similar to theirs. I particularly enjoyed the story surrounding both Grigory and Maria. The remaining characters and stories while interesting in how they added an extra dimension to the book were not the main drawing points.
Those that are familiar with my reviews know that I do not like to give away any aspects of the plot however with the subject matter of this story it is obvious that this is not a happy go lucky read. These were dark times in a place where people were still struggling under the rule of the Soviet empire and add to that the disastrous events that occurred at Chernobyl that we still hear about to this day. Anyone looking for a story that is wrapped up neatly by the end of the read would be disappointed. This book instead was realistic and honest in it's portrayal of this time and I am thankful for that. Anything else would have been an injustice. I also thought that the conclusion to the story was exactly as it should been in keeping with the theme of the novel.
It is my understanding that while McKeon has written several short story that this will be his first published novel. As someone who has read numerous upon numerous novels from both experienced and novice writers I found that this was a very impressive read regardless of experience. I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of historical fiction and not afraid of a read that is a little bit of substance.
September 6, 2016
Oh...my...goodness... I am utterly shattered by this book. I cannot even put into words how haunting and heartbreaking it is... and yet, one of the most beautiful things I've ever read.
Let me start by saying I received an ARC of All That Is Solid Melts Into Air in exchange for a review. The plot sounded interesting enough... but wow... I didnt expect ANYTHING like this! The stories of the characters in this novel will stay with me for many years to come. I cant get them out of my head even now and my chest literally aches for the suffering they have to endure. I have cried for Artyom and the fate of he and his family. I was horrified by the death of his father and the "duty" he fulfilled in honor of trying to preserving life... the life of his family, their future, the future of the country. Some part of me wishes I knew what happened to Artyom and his mother and sister but if it is anything like the horrific suffering his father endured, I am glad not to know after all.
Darragh McKeon writes with the ability to make you live among the characters... perhaps this is why I am so shaken by the story. I feel as though I could reach out and touch them! Their loss is my loss. I can see them and their lives so vividly that I feel truly devastated over what they have been through. With the exception of Yevgeni of course who actually manages to pull himself from the ashes of dispair. But even he isnt what I would consider "happy." It seems he is lonely and cant quite fill a void within himself. I dont suppose reading Grigory's diary of his experience will help with any psychological trauma he carries through his life.
I wonder what may become of Vasily. Does he too "become" ill when he returns to his family? Does he ever feel remorse for shutting Grigory out for the sake of fearing the repercussions? Maybe if he was facing death himself he would change his mind about suppressing the knowledge and horror they witnessed.
Goodreads says the paperback copy is 464 pages. My ARC copy is onl 419... I am be anticipating the official release of this novel to see if there is more revealed.
Let me start by saying I received an ARC of All That Is Solid Melts Into Air in exchange for a review. The plot sounded interesting enough... but wow... I didnt expect ANYTHING like this! The stories of the characters in this novel will stay with me for many years to come. I cant get them out of my head even now and my chest literally aches for the suffering they have to endure. I have cried for Artyom and the fate of he and his family. I was horrified by the death of his father and the "duty" he fulfilled in honor of trying to preserving life... the life of his family, their future, the future of the country. Some part of me wishes I knew what happened to Artyom and his mother and sister but if it is anything like the horrific suffering his father endured, I am glad not to know after all.
Darragh McKeon writes with the ability to make you live among the characters... perhaps this is why I am so shaken by the story. I feel as though I could reach out and touch them! Their loss is my loss. I can see them and their lives so vividly that I feel truly devastated over what they have been through. With the exception of Yevgeni of course who actually manages to pull himself from the ashes of dispair. But even he isnt what I would consider "happy." It seems he is lonely and cant quite fill a void within himself. I dont suppose reading Grigory's diary of his experience will help with any psychological trauma he carries through his life.
I wonder what may become of Vasily. Does he too "become" ill when he returns to his family? Does he ever feel remorse for shutting Grigory out for the sake of fearing the repercussions? Maybe if he was facing death himself he would change his mind about suppressing the knowledge and horror they witnessed.
Goodreads says the paperback copy is 464 pages. My ARC copy is onl 419... I am be anticipating the official release of this novel to see if there is more revealed.
March 12, 2014
Gorgeous. If there was one word to describe this book gorgeous would be it.
After I read a book, I like to wait a day or so before I review it to let what I've just read sink in. I finished this novel last night, and I cannot stop thinking about it. All That Is Solid Melts Into Air by Darragh McKeon is one of those books that will stick with you, impact you emotionally, and cause you to spend hours researching Chernobyl.
This novel is the closest to perfection that I have read in a long time. McKeon's prose is beautiful, his phrases color the pages and create an exotic environment that thoroughly enthralls the reader. The novel mostly takes place in 1986 in the Soviet Union. One storyline is set in Moscow while the other follows the destruction of Chernobyl, and the people who lived near there and the people who were sent to clean it up. The two storylines are intertwined beautifully, connected by one brave doctor who isn't afraid to speak his mind. One of the highlights of this novel is McKeon's grounding of his plot and setting. As someone who was one year old when the Chernobyl nuclear disaster happened and who remembers the Soviet Union as the thing that was breaking apart but competed as the Unified Team in the '92 Olympics, McKeon gives just enough background and information for the reader to fully understand the environment the story takes place in.
At first I was puzzled by what I assume functions as a prologue in the novel. It's a short scene where
As with any good literary novel the characters are the ones driving the novel. Each character is different and well developed. My favorites are Zhenya, Artyom, Grigory, and Maria. Okay, so that's like the majority of them. I adored Zhenya's relationship with his aunt (Maria). He is closer to her than he is his own mother. Zhenya is really the bookend character. The main narrative starts and ends with him. The reader sees this nine year old struggle with the talent he's given. Zhenya has to make the choice of whether he will dedicate himself to learning the piano or not, and McKeon shows the struggle beautifully. Zhenya is faced with choosing the piano or a "normal childhood," complete with the temptations and influences of other kids. While I wasn't nearly as talented as Zhenya, his struggle reminded me of my own childhood, and my choice to give up gymnastics for a chance to experience life as a normal kid.
As a sort of parallel to Zhenya's character is Artyom. The child on the cusp of growing up lives near Chernobyl and must face forced relocation and everything that comes with it. He and his family must navigate their new life, learn to live with their new reality. Artyom is an interesting character who grows throughout the story. However, the one issue I have with the novel is with his storyline.
The bridge character, Grigory, is one of strength. When he leaves for Chernobyl he knows how unlikely it is that he'll return. He shows bravery in the face of the crisis. He's an unsung hero.
I received this book as a first reads giveaway, and I am so happy I won this book. The novel reminds me of what literary fiction can and should be. This book deserves recognition, and I hope it gets lots of attention once it's released. The biggest disappointment I had was that the novel ended and it's McKeon's first novel, meaning I can't rush off to read any of his other books.
I would recommend this novel to anyone (16 and up) who wants a satisfying read. The novel isn't difficult, but I think younger readers won't fully get the impact of this story. It is not the lightest in tone, but it is beautiful all the same.
POV: 3rd person, multiple
Tense: Present, but don't let it scare you off. I hardly noticed it was in present rather than past.
After I read a book, I like to wait a day or so before I review it to let what I've just read sink in. I finished this novel last night, and I cannot stop thinking about it. All That Is Solid Melts Into Air by Darragh McKeon is one of those books that will stick with you, impact you emotionally, and cause you to spend hours researching Chernobyl.
This novel is the closest to perfection that I have read in a long time. McKeon's prose is beautiful, his phrases color the pages and create an exotic environment that thoroughly enthralls the reader. The novel mostly takes place in 1986 in the Soviet Union. One storyline is set in Moscow while the other follows the destruction of Chernobyl, and the people who lived near there and the people who were sent to clean it up. The two storylines are intertwined beautifully, connected by one brave doctor who isn't afraid to speak his mind. One of the highlights of this novel is McKeon's grounding of his plot and setting. As someone who was one year old when the Chernobyl nuclear disaster happened and who remembers the Soviet Union as the thing that was breaking apart but competed as the Unified Team in the '92 Olympics, McKeon gives just enough background and information for the reader to fully understand the environment the story takes place in.
At first I was puzzled by what I assume functions as a prologue in the novel. It's a short scene where
As with any good literary novel the characters are the ones driving the novel. Each character is different and well developed. My favorites are Zhenya, Artyom, Grigory, and Maria. Okay, so that's like the majority of them. I adored Zhenya's relationship with his aunt (Maria). He is closer to her than he is his own mother. Zhenya is really the bookend character. The main narrative starts and ends with him. The reader sees this nine year old struggle with the talent he's given. Zhenya has to make the choice of whether he will dedicate himself to learning the piano or not, and McKeon shows the struggle beautifully. Zhenya is faced with choosing the piano or a "normal childhood," complete with the temptations and influences of other kids. While I wasn't nearly as talented as Zhenya, his struggle reminded me of my own childhood, and my choice to give up gymnastics for a chance to experience life as a normal kid.
As a sort of parallel to Zhenya's character is Artyom. The child on the cusp of growing up lives near Chernobyl and must face forced relocation and everything that comes with it. He and his family must navigate their new life, learn to live with their new reality. Artyom is an interesting character who grows throughout the story. However, the one issue I have with the novel is with his storyline.
The bridge character, Grigory, is one of strength. When he leaves for Chernobyl he knows how unlikely it is that he'll return. He shows bravery in the face of the crisis. He's an unsung hero.
I received this book as a first reads giveaway, and I am so happy I won this book. The novel reminds me of what literary fiction can and should be. This book deserves recognition, and I hope it gets lots of attention once it's released. The biggest disappointment I had was that the novel ended and it's McKeon's first novel, meaning I can't rush off to read any of his other books.
I would recommend this novel to anyone (16 and up) who wants a satisfying read. The novel isn't difficult, but I think younger readers won't fully get the impact of this story. It is not the lightest in tone, but it is beautiful all the same.
POV: 3rd person, multiple
Tense: Present, but don't let it scare you off. I hardly noticed it was in present rather than past.
March 20, 2017
This is a very difficult book to review, as a reader I found it very well done, but; the emotional roller coaster it has me on, I can't describe. The hardest part to accept is that it seems to have changed nothing, and people continue to live in harm's way. I also read the Original essay which was in back of book I read. Very sad & scary.
May 7, 2022
Beautifully written, dreamlike novel centered on the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and its impact on a cast of characters with intertwining paths at the end of the Soviet era.
October 17, 2016
An average book about a terrible event, used as a sad background, and flat characters, used to picture the harsh soviet communism.
The book follows the story of several characters: a kid deported after Chernobyl disaster, a doctor sent to the event, his ex-wife and her 9 years old nephew. They have to deal with the soviet life, the imposed silence and the threat of being imprisoned.
The writing didn’t work for me, it didn’t flow enough and the pace was slow when something thrilling was expected. The summary was misleading, the book concentrated mostly on living under an authoritarian regime rather than the Chernobyl event. The story wandered between the characters’ every day lives and their memories (that mostly didn’t interest me). The only characters that seemed to have some actual real feelings were Artyom and Grigory, but even them felt flat when they should have been deeply sad, curious, afraid or angry. Because of this, I was easily bored while reading and didn’t feel involved in folding the laundry, being bullied, threatened by various people, almost starved or having sick and dying people around me (try reading testimonies about the event, you’ll see what’s missing here). I didn’t know about the life under the soviet communism, so for this part the book was interesting and seemed well documented, but I can’t judge if it’s accurate and I’m always cautious when the author is a foreigner. As the Chernobyl touches mostly matched with the testimonies I read and as the details about the deportees’ lives added some sad atmosphere, I was satisfied for this part, even if I expected a deeper focus on it (never thrust a summary…). I like my literary fictions to really move me and be well paced, without focusing on the insignificant details, things I didn’t find in this novel, so I can conclude it wasn’t totally bad but it was for sure not for me. If you're interested in slow soviet historical fiction, the book is interesting, if you want to learn about Chernobyl, read instead something like Voices from Chernobyl.
The book follows the story of several characters: a kid deported after Chernobyl disaster, a doctor sent to the event, his ex-wife and her 9 years old nephew. They have to deal with the soviet life, the imposed silence and the threat of being imprisoned.
The writing didn’t work for me, it didn’t flow enough and the pace was slow when something thrilling was expected. The summary was misleading, the book concentrated mostly on living under an authoritarian regime rather than the Chernobyl event. The story wandered between the characters’ every day lives and their memories (that mostly didn’t interest me). The only characters that seemed to have some actual real feelings were Artyom and Grigory, but even them felt flat when they should have been deeply sad, curious, afraid or angry. Because of this, I was easily bored while reading and didn’t feel involved in folding the laundry, being bullied, threatened by various people, almost starved or having sick and dying people around me (try reading testimonies about the event, you’ll see what’s missing here). I didn’t know about the life under the soviet communism, so for this part the book was interesting and seemed well documented, but I can’t judge if it’s accurate and I’m always cautious when the author is a foreigner. As the Chernobyl touches mostly matched with the testimonies I read and as the details about the deportees’ lives added some sad atmosphere, I was satisfied for this part, even if I expected a deeper focus on it (never thrust a summary…). I like my literary fictions to really move me and be well paced, without focusing on the insignificant details, things I didn’t find in this novel, so I can conclude it wasn’t totally bad but it was for sure not for me. If you're interested in slow soviet historical fiction, the book is interesting, if you want to learn about Chernobyl, read instead something like Voices from Chernobyl.
March 30, 2019
It's difficult to believe this is a debut novel. Darragh McKeon has created a richly detailed story of the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster as experienced by a variety of people whose lives it impacted. Centered on a 9-year-old piano prodigy, the story draws us into the lives of his overworked mother, his devoted aunt, a former journalist who fell into disfavor with the regime for her stories about the Polish Labor movement, her ex-husband, a renowned surgeon brought to the disaster site to advise and assist, and a family forced to evacuate their home in the wake of the explosion.
McKeon has given a clear picture of the declining days of the Soviet Union, and clearly conveys the sense of resignation among the people, as well as their wry humor at life under the regime. His characters are complex and relatable, and the revelations about their individual histories are paced perfectly. Ironically, the climax of the story isn't about the Chernobyl disaster, but rather a night months later when the child is to perform with a renowned pianist.
This is a remarkable debut, one that I easily give 5 stars.
McKeon has given a clear picture of the declining days of the Soviet Union, and clearly conveys the sense of resignation among the people, as well as their wry humor at life under the regime. His characters are complex and relatable, and the revelations about their individual histories are paced perfectly. Ironically, the climax of the story isn't about the Chernobyl disaster, but rather a night months later when the child is to perform with a renowned pianist.
This is a remarkable debut, one that I easily give 5 stars.
November 4, 2015
I wasn't a major fan of this or the authors writing style. I felt there were too many themes going on for him to focus on any one in particular to do it justice. Flits between telling the chernobyl story to the marriage break up to the industrial issues to the teenage anxt and on and on....
January 6, 2016
Frighteningly vivid.
April 27, 2016
Lukuromaanimaisen vetävä, teemoiltaan painava.
October 21, 2019
I have wanted to read this book for several years, and I’m glad I finally was able to do so.
I was 12 years old when Chernobyl happened, and I remember at the time feeling a deep sense of dread. There was nothing anyone could really do, and Americans were mostly assured that this accident would have little impact on us. Of course I live in an area that is thirty miles from a nuclear power plant, so there you are.
This book is full of details about Soviet Russia that I grew up hearing about: Grinding poverty, neighbors spying on neighbors, widespread dilapidation, cheerless architecture, Soviet slogans and statuary taking pride of place. As the book progressed, the bleakness continued, and then of course after the accident everything was underlined with the sharp, cruel edge of danger. However I loved hearing about country boy Arytom and his family, even though I ached for them, going about their business in ignorance of the silent killer in the very air they breathed.
Grigory, the surgeon, was amazing. Brave and compassionate, he was my personal hero through the whole thing.
Zhenya, the boy prodigy, was also amazing. The epilogue was immensely satisfying, if bittersweet.
I know people who have adopted children from Ukraine, and many of them suffer from illnesses that I’m pretty sure stem from Chernobyl’s dread legacy. I watch their struggles, knowing that the children who are adopted have so much, while the families who continue to care for their children in Belarus and Ukraine barely have enough to survive. These are the children who Grigory tried to save. The author doesn’t add what became of Artyom, his sister Sofya, and their mother Tanya, but I imagine they too succumbed eventually to illnesses brought on by radiation exposure.
I remember the days when glasnost and perestroika were first happening. I recall the fall of the Berlin Wall. This was a poignant novel that brought those days back to life.
I was 12 years old when Chernobyl happened, and I remember at the time feeling a deep sense of dread. There was nothing anyone could really do, and Americans were mostly assured that this accident would have little impact on us. Of course I live in an area that is thirty miles from a nuclear power plant, so there you are.
This book is full of details about Soviet Russia that I grew up hearing about: Grinding poverty, neighbors spying on neighbors, widespread dilapidation, cheerless architecture, Soviet slogans and statuary taking pride of place. As the book progressed, the bleakness continued, and then of course after the accident everything was underlined with the sharp, cruel edge of danger. However I loved hearing about country boy Arytom and his family, even though I ached for them, going about their business in ignorance of the silent killer in the very air they breathed.
Grigory, the surgeon, was amazing. Brave and compassionate, he was my personal hero through the whole thing.
Zhenya, the boy prodigy, was also amazing. The epilogue was immensely satisfying, if bittersweet.
I know people who have adopted children from Ukraine, and many of them suffer from illnesses that I’m pretty sure stem from Chernobyl’s dread legacy. I watch their struggles, knowing that the children who are adopted have so much, while the families who continue to care for their children in Belarus and Ukraine barely have enough to survive. These are the children who Grigory tried to save. The author doesn’t add what became of Artyom, his sister Sofya, and their mother Tanya, but I imagine they too succumbed eventually to illnesses brought on by radiation exposure.
I remember the days when glasnost and perestroika were first happening. I recall the fall of the Berlin Wall. This was a poignant novel that brought those days back to life.
March 4, 2020
3.5 stars.....I watched the docuseries Chernobyl (excellent) and became interested in the history and stories of the people affected by this unimaginable tragedy. I ordered this book because it was so well reviewed and frankly there wasn't much to choose from in print about the incident. The writing is gripping and beautiful however for some reason I couldn't connect with any of the characters (and there are a lot of them). It is a very dark and depressing story (absolutely no levity) that doesn't really have a message or point. This makes me think that this was the authors intent as he goes into full detail of the disturbing physical effects of the radiation fallout and the beginning of the collapse of the Soviet Union. The entire book maintains the same tone (bleak) to the end and that is why I can appreciate the writing but did not enjoy the story. Not my cup of tea.
January 1, 2025
This is a hauntingly beautiful novel that delves deep into human suffering while showcasing the resilience of the humans. Set against the backdrop of the Chernobyl disaster, the book weaves together several lives to capture both the immediate and far-reaching impacts of the tragedy. The depth of pain expressed throughout the narrative is profoundly moving, leaving an enduring mark on the reader. While the novel’s unrelenting focus on suffering might be overwhelming for some readers, it is precisely this depth of exploration that gives the book its power. McKeon does not shy away from the uncomfortable truths of his setting, and his commitment to authenticity ensures that the story feels both urgent and timeless.
Want to read
March 13, 2025If you'd like to learn more about Chernobyl, I'd recommend watching the Chernobyl mini series on HBO.
Location: Soviet Union/Russia (nka Ukraine)
Location: Soviet Union/Russia (nka Ukraine)
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