The Valley Between Us

by Cristi Slate

"The Valley Between Us takes the reader on an incredible journey through the world of bride kidnapping in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. But this isn’t just a story about a horrific social practice that violates core rights of personal freedom and dignity. It is a story about a woman’s indominable spirit, devotion to family, and ultimate triumph. I highly recommend it."--Robert Whitlow, Best-selling author of Double Indemnity

This gripping debut novel follows two women— a young Soviet college student whose life is upended by the ancient practice of bride kidnapping, and a millennial American bound by her crippling sensory processing issues— and weaves their stories together in a riveting tale of love and resilience.1991: The Soviet Union is on the verge of collapse and the country of Georgia is impoverished and riddled with crime and corruption. 20 year-old Dina is trying to navigate university and a relationship with her best friend Nika when she comes face-to-face with the ancient Caucasus tradition of bride kidnapping. The life she had planned is torn out from under her feet and she is forced to dig deep inside to find the strength to survive her new harsh reality.

2018: Callie keeps her life as predictable and organized as possible— Dr. Paekl says that’s the best way to keep a handle on her sensory processing issues. And Callie always listens to Dr. Paekl. So, no surprises— daily run in Golden Gate Park at 6:20 am, oatmeal and a banana for breakfast, the thermostat always set at exactly 68 degrees. But a break-up with her long-time boyfriend and frustration in her high-stress job pushes her to do something uncharacteristically risky—take a leave of absence from work and travel to Georgia for a three-month internship at a Chechen mountain guesthouse. What she thinks will be merely a summer adventure ends up completely shifting her world, making her reexamine who she is, what she believes, and who she loves. While at the guesthouse, Callie uncovers a shocking family secret that could bring everything crumbling down around her.

The Valley Between Us is a heart-wrenching tale of two very different women who fight to find their paths in a world where the odds are stacked against them. It is a story of deep friendships, faith, first loves, trauma, and, ultimately, healing. Fans of The Nightingale or All the Light We Cannot See will be captivated by this powerful story.

Readers are loving The Valley Between Us:

"Exploring the harrowing tradition of bride kidnapping in former Soviet Republic of Georgia, this story grips with its raw portrayal of cultural complexities and societal norms."

"Heart warming and introspective."

"A thought-provoking journey that enlightens as much as it captivates."

"Spellbinding… begs the reader to finish it in one sitting."

"Master class on cultural dynamics in the former Soviet Union. Having lived in the region for over 9 years, I was blown away at how accurately the author did this through telling the story of a woman's life experiences."

"I found myself hanging on to each character's heart-wrenching lows & inspiring highs to the very end."

"I have rarely (ever?) read a story with about another adult dealing with sensory processing issues-- I felt so seen!"

"Perfect for book clubs, with compelling characters and lots

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 12, 2024

Reviews

[Alycia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story, about a hard situation at a hard time and in a hard place, is told from a hope-filled perspective. It is based on a true story that needed to be told.

I fell in love with each character and didn't want their stories to end!

[Carla S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a compelling read! I was not able to read it in one sitting due to my schedule, but kept wishing I could devour it all at once. It’s hard to believe this is the author’s first book.

I consider myself a pretty voracious reader and I’m picky about things like narrative flow, pacing, and time jumps. I thought this book navigated them all so well. The pace moved quickly but not too quickly. The time jumps weren’t confusing, which is huge since so many books today love to jump around. The present-day narrative was refreshing and added some levity. It also had a strong sense of place. I always appreciate when I can truly feel transported within a book. I highly recommend this for both contemporary and historical fiction lovers!

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical fiction book is a master class on cultural dynamics in the Caucasus & former Soviet Union. Having lived in the region for over 9 years, I was blown away at how accurately the author did this through telling the story of a woman's life experiences. I found myself hanging on to each character's heart-wrenching lows & inspiring highs to the very end.

[Diane Hamel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I took a break from reading the 2024 Booker Long List. I encountered the Valley Between them. Simple, predictable, cliche filled and mushy.

[Leigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 rounded up.

This book did not seem to know what it wanted to be. The historical fiction aspects about bride kidnapping and the culture was fascinating, but was totally ruined by the two "love stories". The author would randomly switch tones to overly explain things and add some off the cuff foreshadowing. It pulled me right out of the story.

The disrespect Callie displayed towards her host and the overall culture was infuriating and Leila's reactions to these invasions was so accommodating and unrealistic. Callie broke into one of her host's buildings, stole personal correspondence, had that correspondence translated by a person (hello google translate?), revealed Leila's story to mutual friends(!!!), secretly booked her old friend to come, and was careless enough to discuss what she found out in the open where Leila's son could hear. Yet Leila is cool with it all?!

I wish the author had focused on helping us understand more about bride kidnapping, it's historical context, and the impacts on the current culture. Turning it into a romance was a fatal mistake in my opinion. It went from a story of trauma, sacrifice, and survival to a sappy, romantic cliche. Callie's sensory issues felt thrown in and pointless for the narrative. Her religious journey also felt very off at times and disengaged the reader from Leila's story. I guess in the end I did not feel like Callie's story was anywhere near as compelling as Leila's (which felt just dropped).

This book went from one I could not put down in the first half to one I wished would just end. Then I got my wish and the book slammed head first into its ending.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an interesting read but it also has some frustrating points. I found the main character (modern day) a confusion of personality aspects. She is suppose to be filled with anxiety and panic issues and yet she takes off for parts unknown. She is also very unprepared for going into a Muslim country. From her packing to her lack of prep for social acceptable behavior.
It was also a complete mystery to me what Ramazi was or is. Googled my fingers off and could come up with nothing. Can someone explain?
The kidnapped victim also puzzled me. I feel she had a unique opportunity to return home after her husband died. However she chose to stay so her children could know their heritage. Why would you even want your children to know that kind of kidnapping, abusive, demeaning life? Beats me.
So I did finish this, skipping over some of the o who do I love more parts, but feel this book failed miserably other than bringing attention to bride kidnapping.

[Kimberly Spencer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not at all what I expected. I did not find it to be at all "gripping" as described in reviews. I felt the author was ineffectively in conveyed what I imagine the horrors of bride kidnapping would be like for a young woman. The book starts out relatively strong, but then it becomes kinda hokey and immature for the subject matter. I found the writing to be cheesy with evangelistic undertones. I rolled my eyes often. I did enjoy learning about the "culture," but upon Googling "Ramazi," I found that Ramazi culture is not real.

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - the story sounded interesting but I found the writing style too over-explaining

[Marian Johnston · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF half way through. I do not understand why this book got four and five star reviews.
After I got through the first two chapters I reread the dust jacket to see if I had accidentally picked up a book for the young adult market. The writing is just poor and very unpolished.
Then I did some research and the Ramazi culture and language never existed!
I did learn a little bit about a country that I knew nothing but I just could not continue.
I don’t know what this is supposed to be but it is not in any way“gripping”.
It was self published, I can see why.

[Kristin B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of my all-time favorite fiction books. It focuses on mountain culture people in the Caucasus. There’s adventure, there’s a little bit of romance, and a storyline that takes you to a culture and a place where I’ve never lived! It’s so different from my own culture! I really love this book and have recommended it to countless friends and family members.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and gripping. This is the story of a college senior who is snatched off the street on her way to class and taken to a remote Soviet Georgian mountain village to be bride to the heir of a muslim family. When she pleads for her release, her family is threatened, so she eventually settles into her new reality.

[Marianne KB · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read that flows well and gives lots of cultural background about a few regions of Georgia (the country) and some of their less appeaing traditions - like bride kidnapping. I couldn't imagine going through that or that my family would be accepting of it once the ceremony took place. Oh, well! Like in cavemen times???!!! A story with many interrelated plots and romance without explicit sex scenes - refreshing . Worth a read. Lots to talk about as a book club book.

[Justine Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went in thinking I wasn’t going to like this book, but it surpassed my expectations. A good romance novel plus a little history… what more could you ask for? I’ve also been craving an easy read, so I may be rating it higher than it needs to be because it was just what my soul needed

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seems like this book was written by and for 20 year olds- a little naive and at times didn't make sense to me. The writing style isn't terrible but I always knew I was reading a book- I couldn't get totally absorbed into the story.

[D.J. Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Onslaught of reviews 9 out of 11. 4.5 stars which I'll explain why in a moment.
I see that I am not the first to read this book and want to read it non-stop. I had to get some sleep; otherwise, I would have read this book clear through the night. I haven't decided if I like that Slate leaves the ending up to the reader or if I think there is going to be a sequel. I think I know how the sequel will go, but I'm nervous that it won't. See how I am caught up in these characters? I've known of Slate and her family for the past 9-10 years, and her story realistically matches up with life in the vast area where she lives. It also fits her family's life of faith without the book being a faith based version of romantic beach reads. Slate treats all faiths respectfully in the book. The reading group questions indicate accurately the depth in this book. Here is one: "Where is the line between respecting another culture and standing up for human rights?"

Definitely be forewarned that there are triggers in here since it is about bride kidnapping. For that reason my mom probably wouldn't read it even though I think she would enjoy it other than those parts. They're not necessarily graphic, but Slate doesn't shy away from realistically portraying life for a woman kidnapped by a stranger to be his bride.

So, the missing half star? Slate's women of 2018, Callie and her friend Lucy, could be updated a bit more. I decided that I do know someone who says, "Girl" but in a couple of the scenes Lucy truly says, "Girl" too much. It might have been best to avoid any urban slang.

I bought the book the minute I knew it was coming out. I already have someone borrowing it, and I'm going to need to buy another book so I can keep one and loan one out. I told another book group about it. This is one of my favorite books this year.

[Elizabeth Stunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't help feeling slightly blown away by this book. It is an expertly crafted story, harrowing at times but ultimately full of so much hope. The raw emotion, truthful narrative, and beautiful descriptive writing cut right to the centre of Caucasus culture; both the beautiful and not so beautiful sides of it. I have an immense amount of respect for the way the author manages to walk the oh so narrow path of writing about another culture, celebrating its strong points but also never shying away from the ugly side of humanity. She captures the pride, joy, and failings of a small Caucasus mountain people group in a way I wouldn't have thought possible. She makes this task even more difficult for herself by bringing in Callie, an American who has never experienced another culture to any full extent before. It is not an easy task to write a piece of literature that compares two starkly different cultures and come out being truthful about the highs and lows of both, never setting one above the other but simultaneously being truthful about the huge difficulties faced and problems that exist in both. Nevertheless, Slate does this with ease, seamlessly weaving romance, family, dinners, and seasons around the core pillar of this book: respect. Respect between cultures, between individuals, and at times even between God and man.

[Pattie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trying to figure out why all the 4 and 5 star reviews!

There were definitely aspects of the story I was intrigued with. But then it never really explored the deep horrors of bride kidnapping, instead lightly washing over it. Overall it was so predictable, slow at times, and unrealistic. I have not experienced personally life in Georgia but I have lived as an American 12 years in two different Muslim countries.
Cultural things were just too inconsistent.

And then there is the Callie storyline that took away from the real story. At one moment she has major sensory issues and the next you wonder if she does.

At the end of the day…..I only finished it because it was a book club book.

[Erin Presley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Valley Between Us is an insightful and beautifully written debut novel. The story is so compelling and engaging and I enjoyed the flow of time jumps as we follow Dina’s difficult past in Tbilisi, Georgia and Callie’s modern day cross-cultural experiences as she seeks purpose and meaning in the remote Caucasus Mountains. I gained so much insight into the cultures and peoples of Georgia. Slate presents an honest and raw representation of various cultures and traditions and tells the story with sensitivity and care.

[Leah Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy reading about a different culture, however I felt the two main female characters personalities did not match the story telling.

[Anslee d · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Valley Between Us includes blossoming portraits of two very different women and the complicated, storied land they both inhabit - the Caucasus region plays as poignant a role as the human characters in this beautifully layered story. I was swept away by the author's descriptions of the land: its epic, wild, raw and intense beauty, including brutal winters and fragrant, bountiful summers, as well as an ancient cultural landscape that commands your full attention.

You can't write anybody or anything off in this book. The author gets behind what meets the eye to reveal a very real shared humanity between the characters, despite generational differences, opposing cultural norms and expectations, tenderly exposing the relational bonds and deep faith that rise to transcend all. I'm a total sucker for a slow-burn romance in the background, and the author delivered without oversimplifying or flattening the broader crescendo of the narrative. I stayed up way too late reading the last fourth of the book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down!

Cristi writes characters I want to meet in real life, sit down over a plate of hot kachapuri and listen to their stories well after the stars come out on a cool, clear summer night in the Sureti Valley.

[Chesca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A debut novel set in the Caucasus country of Georgia. Weaves together the stories of two women: one who gets snatched from her city surroundings in early post-Soviet days and a Californian millennial volunteering her skills in a rural Caucasus village.

The descriptions of the setting, history, culture, and challenges of crossing cultures were really well done. As a Westerner who has experienced Central Asian / former-Soviet regions, this was my favorite element. Though the name of the ethnic group featured in the story has been changed—I suppose due to political, ethnic, and privacy reasons—it’s not hard to figure out which real culture it is if you are at all familiar with major events in that area.

The story is engaging and intriguing. Hardship abounds—real hardship. So do love interests. It’s a romance story at heart. Happily for me, even though the themes are mature and it gets emotionally intense, it stays pretty clean and not too “spicy.”

A Christian element also enters the story in a positive way.

All in all a worthwhile, immersive read.

[Esther ter Reehorst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally getting around to reviewing this one, after Christie gave me a copy to read and review. Life got in the way, but here it is!

This story takes place in Georgia, the country I currently live in and love a lot. That alone made me want to read this, and it didn't disappoint in accurately describing the country and part of it's culture. Also, I had no idea about the custom of bride-napping, and am *sort of* happy I do now. The book gave me a lot of food for thought about this subject!

To be completely honest, there where a few drawbacks for me. The main character seems to swing from being overly sensitive to 'just fine' without much explanation. Also, at some point the evangelical Christianity seems to be woven in a little as an afterthought or something, to me it didn't feel all too natural. However, the writer is respectful towards all, and I appreciate that a lot.

That cliffhanger in the end though..! 😏 Is a sequel planned yet? 😉

Worth a read if the subject interests you, and from what I can tell well researched!

[Ozbernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book mostly for its rich cultural content and I feel it gave me a good insight to people who I’ve never heard of before in the Caucasus. Centrally this book deals with bride kidnapping and all that is associated with that. The author has lived among these people for ten years so she is well immersed in the culture and states that bride kidnapping still happens today and she wanted to bring light to this.

Regarding the character development of this book, I personally found that it lacked some deeper essence but I understand that for the purposes of this novel the author needed a more comprehensive approach for her narrative. I can however imagine this type of novel with such rich context and meaning has huge potential to pull in much more depth than it currently encompasses and that would prove to be an absolute literary work of art. Overall I really appreciate this book and commend the author on their work. Thank you for enlightening your readers and blessing us with it.

[Louanne Sluiter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This follows two women— Dina aka leila, a young Soviet college student whose life is upended by the ancient practice of bride kidnapping, and Callie, an American bound by her crippling sensory processing issue. A self published book so yes, there are issues. The biggest being that the Ramazi culture never existed.

Dina was kidnapped and forced to marry a Ramazi man in a mountain village. Her name was changed to Leila. Here she stayed even after the husband died because she didn't want to take her two children away from their family and culture. I didn't understand that.
The other gal, Callie came to this village on a three month leave to help with promoting the property to vacationers. She falls for a Ramazi man there and struggled with the attraction and her boyfriend back home.

I found myself rolling my eyes frequently. The story was mushy, predictable and the religious overtones were annoying. But I did finish the book

[Dmytro Bereza · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that you start reading and can't stop. The development of events is so captivating that you feel like you won't be able to drink, eat, or sleep until you finish reading and find out the ending. This book is one of those! You read these two parallel storylines and think, when will they intersect?! After all, they have to intersect! How deeply and beautifully the cultural moments are described. You are simultaneously horrified by the fate of women in this village and at the same time enjoy the details that give you clear pictures of the peculiarities of traditions and customs. And it is a special pleasure to watch the characters' train of thought and see their transformation. I highly recommend this book to those who love sharp plots and want to touch a culture that is so different from the Western one.

[Teresa Ahrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to my book club friend for introducing me to this self-published gem. An unknown narrative of a location (Soviet Georgia) with unbelievable traditions/practices and social & cultural rules kept me riveted to the story. I didn't have any problems with the time jumps, would have appreciated a little more development of the two main characters, and was surprised how recent bride-napping was still practiced.

Update: The host for our monthly book club took the author up on her offer at the back of the book to "join" our book club. Cristi graciously offered to set her alarm and zoom with us at 6:15 a.m. her time. She is absolutely delightful. We loved getting an inside peek into her personal history, the country of Georgia, and her process and intent for The Valley Between Us. BTW, our hostess created an authentic Georgian dinner with wine! A memorable evening.

[Stephen Hillis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book by Cristi Slate is a must read! As a former educator I read not just to be transported into another world, but also to learn and grow. Ms. Slate, having lived for years in the region she writes about, gives great insight into the challenges of cross-cultural living and interacting. In a shrinking world we need to better understand (and not just judge) other cultures with their differing values and behaviors. For anyone wanting to read both a compelling story and to gain insight into a world strange to themselves, I highly recommend The Valley Between Us.
Ps. I compare this book to Alka Joshi’s The Henna Artist.

[Glenn Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some free advice ... do NOT start reading this book late at night. Let me REPEAT ... do NOT start thinking you'll read just a chapter or two and then quit and pick up reading it the next day. When I began reading, I kept going ... all the way from start to finish in one day! This book is PHENOMENAL! It's based on a true account of bride kidnapping that continues to this very day in an obscure but beautiful part of the world that many in the West know very little about.

I read 26+ books a year (one every two weeks) and this is the best book I have read in several years. Yes, it's THAT GOOD!

[Erin Ridolfo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to learn history and about different cultures through fiction. This was a great read about a region I have never really explored through travel or through reading (the country Georgia). As a millennial I found I had many things in common with Callie. Then I was picturing being an American kid in elementary school in the 90s while character 17 year old Dina was going through a bride kidnapping. The author really paints a picture of the beauty of Georgia and the hardships endured by many, while also being respectful to various cultural and religious differences amongst the many characters.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good story written from a credible point of view by the author who is familiar with the culture she writes about. It had romance without any sexual descriptions which seemed a bit sanitized in view of the subject matter of bride kidnapping and also tends to have some unnecessary inner thought dialogue that I didn't like. It is quite obviously written by a Christian but it didn't get too preachy. I liked the characters and the strength Leila had to accept her life without giving in to despair. The ending was quite satisfying even though all of the relationships weren't nicely wrapped up. I would give it a 3 or 3.5 and recommend it for a book club choice.