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One-Two
Winner of the 2018 New York City Big Book Award for General Fiction
Winner of the 2018 International Book Awards in the Multicultural Fiction category
Winner of the 2017 Millennium Book Award
GOLD WINNER of the Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPYS) for Europe – Best Regional Fiction (2017)
GOLD WINNER of the International Book Award contest Readers' Favorite in the Cultural Fiction category (2017)
Two conjoined babies are born at the crossroads of two social worldviews. Girls are named Faith and Hope. After spending their childhood in a foster home and obtaining primary education, they understand that they are different from other people in many respects. The problems of their growing up are exacerbated with permanent humiliations from society.
Finally, fortune favors them, slightly opening a door to happiness – separation surgery that theoretically can be performed in the capital. And sisters start their way, full of difficulties and obstacles. Will they be able to overcome a wall of public cynicism together with internal conflicts among themselves? Will they find a justification for their existence and accept it? Searching for the answers to these and many other questions constitutes the essence of this novel.
One-Two is a psychological drama, the main events of which unfold in 1980s and 1990s. The novel is a speculation about how difficult it is to be a human and how important it is to stay human until the end. It is a message full of empathy and kindness addressed to all people.
I believe the right time has come. I hope this book is for you.
Winner of the 2018 International Book Awards in the Multicultural Fiction category
Winner of the 2017 Millennium Book Award
GOLD WINNER of the Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPYS) for Europe – Best Regional Fiction (2017)
GOLD WINNER of the International Book Award contest Readers' Favorite in the Cultural Fiction category (2017)
Two conjoined babies are born at the crossroads of two social worldviews. Girls are named Faith and Hope. After spending their childhood in a foster home and obtaining primary education, they understand that they are different from other people in many respects. The problems of their growing up are exacerbated with permanent humiliations from society.
Finally, fortune favors them, slightly opening a door to happiness – separation surgery that theoretically can be performed in the capital. And sisters start their way, full of difficulties and obstacles. Will they be able to overcome a wall of public cynicism together with internal conflicts among themselves? Will they find a justification for their existence and accept it? Searching for the answers to these and many other questions constitutes the essence of this novel.
One-Two is a psychological drama, the main events of which unfold in 1980s and 1990s. The novel is a speculation about how difficult it is to be a human and how important it is to stay human until the end. It is a message full of empathy and kindness addressed to all people.
I believe the right time has come. I hope this book is for you.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2016
3 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Igor Eliseev
1 book26 followersIgor Miroshnichenko (born 12 March, 1977 in Rostov-on-Don, Russia) is an English-language writer, novelist, and essayist; he writes under the pen name Igor Eliseev, his mother’s maiden name. He works tirelessly to perfect a prose style that is full of romantic illusions, expressionist vision of reality, hallucinatory realism, and metaphysical sense and is seemingly grotesque.
Igor graduated from the Don State Technical University, where he studied engineering procedure, in 1999. He also studied at the Moscow University of Industry and Finance, graduating in 2009 with a degree in the management of commercial activities.
He first tried his hand at writing sketches and scripts for a radio show. He also found himself particularly drawn to portrait and fashion photography. Some time later, he became one of the most in-demand photographers in Moscow. His photos brought him a lot of attention and a taste of financial freedom, but ultimately, literature remains his true and only calling.
Igor Eliseev began his literary activity in 1999 with a number of short stories, essays and a film script. Later, the plot of the script developed into a literary novel – the most important project of his life and one that has not yet been completed. In 2015, however, he finished his second novel, which, by a twist of fate, became his debut novel. One-Two, a book that is dedicated to the memory of his mother, tells the story of two conjoined sisters born in the era of the collapse of the Soviet Union.
He has been interested in oriental martial arts ever since he was a child and practices Judo, Karate, Jiu-Jitsu and Chinese Wushu; he worked as a martial arts instructor for several years.
Igor graduated from the Don State Technical University, where he studied engineering procedure, in 1999. He also studied at the Moscow University of Industry and Finance, graduating in 2009 with a degree in the management of commercial activities.
He first tried his hand at writing sketches and scripts for a radio show. He also found himself particularly drawn to portrait and fashion photography. Some time later, he became one of the most in-demand photographers in Moscow. His photos brought him a lot of attention and a taste of financial freedom, but ultimately, literature remains his true and only calling.
Igor Eliseev began his literary activity in 1999 with a number of short stories, essays and a film script. Later, the plot of the script developed into a literary novel – the most important project of his life and one that has not yet been completed. In 2015, however, he finished his second novel, which, by a twist of fate, became his debut novel. One-Two, a book that is dedicated to the memory of his mother, tells the story of two conjoined sisters born in the era of the collapse of the Soviet Union.
He has been interested in oriental martial arts ever since he was a child and practices Judo, Karate, Jiu-Jitsu and Chinese Wushu; he worked as a martial arts instructor for several years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 1, 2017
Inside One-Two
At first, my work on this book was an ordinary hobby, then it developed into a mania and, finally, I found such abundance of opportunities for out-of-body experiences in this activity that it entirely absorbed all my private interests. Thus, an ordinary piece of paper, a set of symbols on a computer screen gradually turned into a tiresome burden, an unpaid debt to society. However, as it always happens in fairy tales and rarely in life, everything was solved in the best way – hardly had I fastened «the end» to the real end of the story, I calmed down and fell asleep for the first time. And now I know precisely, whatever destiny comprehends my creation; my life is being lived for a reason. This book is not a part of me anymore; it has safely separated from the creator, and leads its own independent life.
One-Two book I presented for your strict reader’s judgment is not a speculation about how difficult it is to be a human and how important it is to stay human until the end. It is the result of the strongest shocks, not only external, having taken place in the past, but also internal, sometimes hidden under the surface of our skin, and then buried deep within our memory. It is a message full of empathy and kindness addressed to all people.
I believe the right time has come. I hope this book is for you.
At first, my work on this book was an ordinary hobby, then it developed into a mania and, finally, I found such abundance of opportunities for out-of-body experiences in this activity that it entirely absorbed all my private interests. Thus, an ordinary piece of paper, a set of symbols on a computer screen gradually turned into a tiresome burden, an unpaid debt to society. However, as it always happens in fairy tales and rarely in life, everything was solved in the best way – hardly had I fastened «the end» to the real end of the story, I calmed down and fell asleep for the first time. And now I know precisely, whatever destiny comprehends my creation; my life is being lived for a reason. This book is not a part of me anymore; it has safely separated from the creator, and leads its own independent life.
One-Two book I presented for your strict reader’s judgment is not a speculation about how difficult it is to be a human and how important it is to stay human until the end. It is the result of the strongest shocks, not only external, having taken place in the past, but also internal, sometimes hidden under the surface of our skin, and then buried deep within our memory. It is a message full of empathy and kindness addressed to all people.
I believe the right time has come. I hope this book is for you.
October 2, 2019
One-Two is the tale of conjoined twin sisters Faith and Hope and tells of their struggle for survival and acceptance in a cold and detached world. I have to say this is such a beautifully crafted book. The language is so fluid and poetic, and some of the phraseology is simply magical.
Eliseev paints an incredible picture which is depressing and uplifting, sad and joyous, and above all is full of faith and hope at all times. The array of characters and their interactions is so interesting, as is their struggle for life in Soviet and post-Soviet Russia. The reader can really sense the grim reality of life for a disabled individual(s) in the institutions of Russia of that time. All the way through there is a dreadful sense of impending doom and death drawing ever nearer but will one of the sisters be spared?
A thoroughly enjoyable read and a book I think will become a huge hit.
Eliseev paints an incredible picture which is depressing and uplifting, sad and joyous, and above all is full of faith and hope at all times. The array of characters and their interactions is so interesting, as is their struggle for life in Soviet and post-Soviet Russia. The reader can really sense the grim reality of life for a disabled individual(s) in the institutions of Russia of that time. All the way through there is a dreadful sense of impending doom and death drawing ever nearer but will one of the sisters be spared?
A thoroughly enjoyable read and a book I think will become a huge hit.
March 9, 2017
I really enjoyed One-Two. It has a unique story telling voice, one peppered with Soviet facts like bread crumbs and thoughtful reflections. Like cracks in the mirror, I often pictured Hope and Faith as being beautiful, but worn out before their time. The story moves us through the girls childhood in a foster institution to the nest of a rather wonderful blind lady to the streets of Moscow in a freak-show-scenario mostly devoid of any optimism- for the most part. But there are moments of light, too. The ending is a tug on the heart and I was left reflecting on the life of disabled people while trying not to feel like the casual observers in the 'tunnel'. This is great story telling and literature in every sense of the word.
April 24, 2017
ONE-TWO by Igor Eliseev is a novel written by a young Russian author in the manner of Dostoevsky-dark and riveting. The author uses two POV's in his writing. The first person is used when he describes his traumatic childhood, and the second person is used when he talks to his other half. This is a technique that creates increasing tension, as the author foreshadows something dark throughout the book. The author switches POV's so consistently that he does not take away from the reader's focus, but instead, creates a frightening foreboding.
This book is brilliantly written, although at times, it begs for relief from the agony of those marginalized in society. Eliseev raises Dostoevsky's lingering question in a unique manner: What is the value of life for those who cannot live within society?
Eliseev goes one step further and asks what the suffering of humans brings out in other human beings and why? He answers the question in his book's resolution - the last desperate act for a human misfit to achieve a life so many take for granted. No reader will be untouched by this book. It dares readers to search their own humanity in the world of dark shadows and hidden pain.
This book is brilliantly written, although at times, it begs for relief from the agony of those marginalized in society. Eliseev raises Dostoevsky's lingering question in a unique manner: What is the value of life for those who cannot live within society?
Eliseev goes one step further and asks what the suffering of humans brings out in other human beings and why? He answers the question in his book's resolution - the last desperate act for a human misfit to achieve a life so many take for granted. No reader will be untouched by this book. It dares readers to search their own humanity in the world of dark shadows and hidden pain.
August 13, 2016
This book is a masterpiece and I have to say this, the author is a genius indeed. It is a dark, deep, literary drama about conjoined twin sisters, Faith and Hope. The narration is smooth, sophisticated and touching. Faith is narrating their story of gut-wrenching hardships, for their only sin was to be born different, to her sister, Hope. Their only dream was to be separated surgically someday and during their journey, they constantly hope for the best and never lose faith in humanity despite going through many adversities. When I finished the book, I was literally applauding the author in my head. The ending was totally unexpected and very poignant.
This book is a thought provoking and insightful read; one of its kind. Faith and Hope not only take the reader through a dark tunnel of reality, but also show that there is light at the end of the tunnel with their strong will. At a point, while I was reading the book, I felt how inhumane the world was during the 80’s and these twins show you what it is to be human. I definitely recommend this book, it’s a must read.
This book is a thought provoking and insightful read; one of its kind. Faith and Hope not only take the reader through a dark tunnel of reality, but also show that there is light at the end of the tunnel with their strong will. At a point, while I was reading the book, I felt how inhumane the world was during the 80’s and these twins show you what it is to be human. I definitely recommend this book, it’s a must read.
August 26, 2016
When I finished reading One-Two I had to catch-up my breath after this unbelievable psychological drama where the misery had no end. Probably Igor, the author, metaphorically chose to write about the conjoint twins Faith and Hope as an inseparable assets of our life. The diversity of the characters reflected the harsh reality that can not be swallowed and yet inspirational. What I like the most it was the unpredictable narration, no happy ending, no tragic ending, just a smooth tangibility.
The author squeezed his mind for a long time to describe the part of human nature that can not be described, and he did a marvelous job by finding the right words.
Please honor yourself by picking up this book, because I am glad I did.
The author squeezed his mind for a long time to describe the part of human nature that can not be described, and he did a marvelous job by finding the right words.
Please honor yourself by picking up this book, because I am glad I did.
April 26, 2016
You are the other side of me.
Although this book looks a little bit naive, is a very good and interesting one. The setting is gloomy beyond reality. The author creates a world in which the reader can smell the callosity, poverty, indifference, desperation of alcoholics, and those who have no idea what being human means, and at the same time, assimilates the novel of sensibility’s characteristic optimism, repeatedly highlighting the concepts of faith, hope, and love in the direct and indirect sense of these words.
Nevertheless, one must be prepared to deal with the consequences of this reading. That’ll change your view of the world forever. 4.5 stars out of 5.
Although this book looks a little bit naive, is a very good and interesting one. The setting is gloomy beyond reality. The author creates a world in which the reader can smell the callosity, poverty, indifference, desperation of alcoholics, and those who have no idea what being human means, and at the same time, assimilates the novel of sensibility’s characteristic optimism, repeatedly highlighting the concepts of faith, hope, and love in the direct and indirect sense of these words.
Nevertheless, one must be prepared to deal with the consequences of this reading. That’ll change your view of the world forever. 4.5 stars out of 5.
August 11, 2016
Originally posted here (http://www.markbenjaminbooks.com/my-j...)
Indeed for me, the right time did come when I read this book. Now, seeing as to how this is my second review (I'm no longer a virgin in this regard), I had trouble when it came to writing this. There were too many quotes which I absolutely loved (so I'll string some along in the review before I get to the last portion) and it was pretty hard to decide where to start. But here goes...
Let's start at the beginning. One-Two is set in the 1980s and 1990s of Russia, in the Soviet Union era and particularly during the Perestroika period. From the onset, this reminded me of my History lessons as a teenager, wistfully remembering how Mikhail Gorbachev in the Cold War wished to restructure (the meaning of Perestroika) the Soviet political and economic system within the Communist Party. Perestroika was one of the causes for the dissolution of the USSR. A memorable quote from One-Two author, Igor Eliseev, which showcases this time period within the story, is:
"People are strange and incomprehensible. Once they are forbidden from doing something, they revolt, grow loud and unrestricted in their hate."
Faith and Hope are conjoined twins with Faith being the narrator as she speaks to her twin, Hope. I found this particularly refreshing as to how intriguing the story played out. Faith and Hope are the main protagonists and they come to meet a host of friendly and at times not-so-friendly characters along the way. The main antagonists in my humble opinion as a reader, are the emotions of despair, alcoholism, and the dire physical and emotional abuse treated towards them by all and sundry, in their heartbreaking journey where they wish to some day become surgically separated. Don't get me wrong however; this is a genius novel, a psychological literary drama that shall pull at all your heartstrings. But don't let that detract you from enjoying it as there are beautiful moments within, all the way to such a realistic ending, I actually felt like clapping my hands at the end of it and raising a glass of kosher whiskey.
From the beginning, Faith seems to me the weaker of the twins, finding strength in Hope until the closing parts of the story, where Faith has grown to be the stronger. At the start of the novel, the young girls face a trying time at the foster home. One of my memorable quotes there was:
"The principal gave us a sharp look that immediately accused us of all our past wrong-doings and of our future ones, too, including, first and foremost, the fact that we had the audacity to be born..."
This to me set the tone of the book and the hardships that Faith and Hope shall endure in their life, and that they only have each other to rely on.
The girls are all but children, but the way Faith approaches life, at times sardonically dark with a poetic sense of humour mixed in, gives one the feeling that she is wise beyond her years, and not in a way that children should be. Hardened to life and accepting her fate in it, another memorable quote that Igor Eliseev, the fantastic author of One-Two, displays is:
"It sometimes feels like you and I are at the movie theater, sitting next to each other and watching the same movie. People say something, argue incessantly, even fight, but it is all somewhere else, somewhere far away, on the other side of the screen, and we are just passive onlookers unable to affect the course of events."
I shall be honest in this review, as I always am. There are some truly depressing parts in the story where you feel so terrible for what Faith and Hope have to endure as they take you on their pursuit of surgically-separated-happiness, that you actually feel a pain, wondering how monstrous humans are capable of being. But through it all, their strength to survive, their strength to keep on moving, is both beautiful and poignant. As an example of their depths of despair, when the conjoined twins suffered one of their first major setbacks, Faith asked of Hope:
"Hope, tell me how it is possible that grief and happiness are scattered all over the world so unevenly? Why do some people get all the troubles and misfortunes while others are intoxicated with an abundance of material belongings, fat bellies and money? Why is there such injustice? Or, maybe, we are mistaken that it's unfair?"
And another philosophical quote which displays Faith's view of the world, through her young eyes,
"People have no limits either in love or in hatred. But is it their fault? They despise us because they are afraid, for we remind them that getting crippled or sick might happen to anyone; or, perhaps, the true reason for their hatred lies much deeper inside, stemming from a hidden ugliness in their souls?"
In overall, I enjoyed this literary masterpiece by a Russian author (Igor Eliseev) writing in English. One-Two is a tragic drama which though slow-moving, is entrancing with its prose and deep insights. More than once, uncountable really, it made me think of life and how I treat others less fortunate than myself (not that I was a bad person to begin with before you go there!) I do believe that reading this book once is definitely not enough, and I see myself reading it a few more times in my lifetime. Thank you, Igor Eliseev, in giving the world this amazing and extraordinary tale!
Would I recommend it? A billion times over!
Would I read it again? Over and over!
Would I recommend it to Lucy? I already did! A few times actually!
That's why I've given One-Two by Igor Eliseev a 5/5 rating! Now, do yourself a favour and go out there and grab yourselves a copy!
My Favourite Lines
"She spoke of our "ugliness" as though it was a normal, everyday occurrence, without any restriction on her choice of words." ----> OUCH! Imagine someone speaking of your physical appearance in such a manner? Not only that, but a full adult speaking to children. Heartbreaking.
"You usually lose your dearest people long before their deaths." ----> Such a philosophical quote and definitely one of my favourites. Not just in this story, but one generally for life.
"She spoke calmly, but her eyes flared with rage, looking even more beautiful than usual. For several moments, we were captivated by this look wondering how a perfectly evil spirit and beauty can combine in one person, harmonically supplementing the other." ----> THIS right here is why I love literary fiction. So much is said in so little words when describing one person. Excellent!
"...but the hardest thing is to face the choice between the unwillingness to live and the inability to die." ----> My oh my! Didn't I tell you Igor Eliseev is a genius? Sit down right now, if you aren't already doing so, and read that again.
"I looked down, hoping for a quick death but not wishing to die." ----> The desperation in this sentence...read the book and you'll understand why this quote is among my favourites.
"However, I don't claim to be an angel speaking the undeniable truth; these are just the ordinary thoughts of unordinary people among ordinary people." ----> I loved the way whilst reading this particularly part, I had to reread it a few times just to have it sink in. I know you did too ;)
"I lay motionless, feeling neither pain, nor fear, most probably the fear of pain." ----> Another memorable quote where you simply have to read the book to understand it fully. Beautiful writing no matter how you look at it.
"Life has its end, but death is limitless. We live for a short while and die for ever." ----> Sad but poetically perfect.
"What is so special about an extraordinary person? An extraordinary person helps to understand that every person is extraordinary." ----> This to me sums up the book at the end. Faith and Hope are extraordinary people and this brings light to the world. Everyone should be treated as extraordinary.
Indeed for me, the right time did come when I read this book. Now, seeing as to how this is my second review (I'm no longer a virgin in this regard), I had trouble when it came to writing this. There were too many quotes which I absolutely loved (so I'll string some along in the review before I get to the last portion) and it was pretty hard to decide where to start. But here goes...
Let's start at the beginning. One-Two is set in the 1980s and 1990s of Russia, in the Soviet Union era and particularly during the Perestroika period. From the onset, this reminded me of my History lessons as a teenager, wistfully remembering how Mikhail Gorbachev in the Cold War wished to restructure (the meaning of Perestroika) the Soviet political and economic system within the Communist Party. Perestroika was one of the causes for the dissolution of the USSR. A memorable quote from One-Two author, Igor Eliseev, which showcases this time period within the story, is:
"People are strange and incomprehensible. Once they are forbidden from doing something, they revolt, grow loud and unrestricted in their hate."
Faith and Hope are conjoined twins with Faith being the narrator as she speaks to her twin, Hope. I found this particularly refreshing as to how intriguing the story played out. Faith and Hope are the main protagonists and they come to meet a host of friendly and at times not-so-friendly characters along the way. The main antagonists in my humble opinion as a reader, are the emotions of despair, alcoholism, and the dire physical and emotional abuse treated towards them by all and sundry, in their heartbreaking journey where they wish to some day become surgically separated. Don't get me wrong however; this is a genius novel, a psychological literary drama that shall pull at all your heartstrings. But don't let that detract you from enjoying it as there are beautiful moments within, all the way to such a realistic ending, I actually felt like clapping my hands at the end of it and raising a glass of kosher whiskey.
From the beginning, Faith seems to me the weaker of the twins, finding strength in Hope until the closing parts of the story, where Faith has grown to be the stronger. At the start of the novel, the young girls face a trying time at the foster home. One of my memorable quotes there was:
"The principal gave us a sharp look that immediately accused us of all our past wrong-doings and of our future ones, too, including, first and foremost, the fact that we had the audacity to be born..."
This to me set the tone of the book and the hardships that Faith and Hope shall endure in their life, and that they only have each other to rely on.
The girls are all but children, but the way Faith approaches life, at times sardonically dark with a poetic sense of humour mixed in, gives one the feeling that she is wise beyond her years, and not in a way that children should be. Hardened to life and accepting her fate in it, another memorable quote that Igor Eliseev, the fantastic author of One-Two, displays is:
"It sometimes feels like you and I are at the movie theater, sitting next to each other and watching the same movie. People say something, argue incessantly, even fight, but it is all somewhere else, somewhere far away, on the other side of the screen, and we are just passive onlookers unable to affect the course of events."
I shall be honest in this review, as I always am. There are some truly depressing parts in the story where you feel so terrible for what Faith and Hope have to endure as they take you on their pursuit of surgically-separated-happiness, that you actually feel a pain, wondering how monstrous humans are capable of being. But through it all, their strength to survive, their strength to keep on moving, is both beautiful and poignant. As an example of their depths of despair, when the conjoined twins suffered one of their first major setbacks, Faith asked of Hope:
"Hope, tell me how it is possible that grief and happiness are scattered all over the world so unevenly? Why do some people get all the troubles and misfortunes while others are intoxicated with an abundance of material belongings, fat bellies and money? Why is there such injustice? Or, maybe, we are mistaken that it's unfair?"
And another philosophical quote which displays Faith's view of the world, through her young eyes,
"People have no limits either in love or in hatred. But is it their fault? They despise us because they are afraid, for we remind them that getting crippled or sick might happen to anyone; or, perhaps, the true reason for their hatred lies much deeper inside, stemming from a hidden ugliness in their souls?"
In overall, I enjoyed this literary masterpiece by a Russian author (Igor Eliseev) writing in English. One-Two is a tragic drama which though slow-moving, is entrancing with its prose and deep insights. More than once, uncountable really, it made me think of life and how I treat others less fortunate than myself (not that I was a bad person to begin with before you go there!) I do believe that reading this book once is definitely not enough, and I see myself reading it a few more times in my lifetime. Thank you, Igor Eliseev, in giving the world this amazing and extraordinary tale!
Would I recommend it? A billion times over!
Would I read it again? Over and over!
Would I recommend it to Lucy? I already did! A few times actually!
That's why I've given One-Two by Igor Eliseev a 5/5 rating! Now, do yourself a favour and go out there and grab yourselves a copy!
My Favourite Lines
"She spoke of our "ugliness" as though it was a normal, everyday occurrence, without any restriction on her choice of words." ----> OUCH! Imagine someone speaking of your physical appearance in such a manner? Not only that, but a full adult speaking to children. Heartbreaking.
"You usually lose your dearest people long before their deaths." ----> Such a philosophical quote and definitely one of my favourites. Not just in this story, but one generally for life.
"She spoke calmly, but her eyes flared with rage, looking even more beautiful than usual. For several moments, we were captivated by this look wondering how a perfectly evil spirit and beauty can combine in one person, harmonically supplementing the other." ----> THIS right here is why I love literary fiction. So much is said in so little words when describing one person. Excellent!
"...but the hardest thing is to face the choice between the unwillingness to live and the inability to die." ----> My oh my! Didn't I tell you Igor Eliseev is a genius? Sit down right now, if you aren't already doing so, and read that again.
"I looked down, hoping for a quick death but not wishing to die." ----> The desperation in this sentence...read the book and you'll understand why this quote is among my favourites.
"However, I don't claim to be an angel speaking the undeniable truth; these are just the ordinary thoughts of unordinary people among ordinary people." ----> I loved the way whilst reading this particularly part, I had to reread it a few times just to have it sink in. I know you did too ;)
"I lay motionless, feeling neither pain, nor fear, most probably the fear of pain." ----> Another memorable quote where you simply have to read the book to understand it fully. Beautiful writing no matter how you look at it.
"Life has its end, but death is limitless. We live for a short while and die for ever." ----> Sad but poetically perfect.
"What is so special about an extraordinary person? An extraordinary person helps to understand that every person is extraordinary." ----> This to me sums up the book at the end. Faith and Hope are extraordinary people and this brings light to the world. Everyone should be treated as extraordinary.
June 16, 2017
There something about Russian literature that just enchants me and after just a few pages I knew One-Two wouldn’t disappoint. Igor Eliseev’s writing is packed with both beauty and sadness, taking you on an emotional journey that lingers long in the memory. The book chronicles the hardships of conjoined twins, named Hope and Faith, growing up in Moscow at the time of Perestroika. From the dark days of their schooling under the rule of a beautiful tyrant nicknamed Adoter to an adult life spent drunk in dark tunnels begging for money, it’s hard to see how Faith and Hope can endure. They exist amidst a backdrop of violence, hurt, deformity and uncertainty, mirroring Russia at a time when crooks and charlatans carved up the county following the collapse of communism.
There are occasional rays of light in their bleak existence but they are only fleeting as the twins seek a sense of love and belonging after so many years of abandonment. When they are finally reunited with the woman who cut the maternal cord and began this sad process, the twins believe their life is about to change for the better. But their mother merely becomes the latest to inflict emotional and physical abuse on the twins and they end up feeling even lonelier. At several points in the novel, other characters tell Faith and Hope they should feel blessed for their deformity because they will never truly be alone. Yet the true sadness in the book stems from the collapse of their own relationship, with Faith and Hope growing to despise each other more than anything else as they face up to the hopelessness of their situation.
This is a story told with great skill and love. That it’s narrated by just one of the twins adds an extra dimension to the novel as we essentially only hear one side of the story. Although she paints a vivid picture of her sister, who emerges as the stronger and more stoical sibling, we are left to wonder how accurate this portrayal is, especially as their relationship begins to sour. Faith and Hope are remarkable heroines and you really identify with them but what I enjoyed most about the book was the characters who flit in and out of their life. This provides One-Two with the humour and colour that makes it so enjoyable to read.
My only minor gripe is the author’s habit of adding explanations in brackets for Russian references that he feels the reader may not understand. This started to annoy me a little as it broke the flow of the story and the explanations were often far too long-winded. He would have been far better served with footnotes for these points and some didn’t even need explaining at all as you could understand from the context what was inferred. But don’t let that put you off a remarkable and unique book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
There are occasional rays of light in their bleak existence but they are only fleeting as the twins seek a sense of love and belonging after so many years of abandonment. When they are finally reunited with the woman who cut the maternal cord and began this sad process, the twins believe their life is about to change for the better. But their mother merely becomes the latest to inflict emotional and physical abuse on the twins and they end up feeling even lonelier. At several points in the novel, other characters tell Faith and Hope they should feel blessed for their deformity because they will never truly be alone. Yet the true sadness in the book stems from the collapse of their own relationship, with Faith and Hope growing to despise each other more than anything else as they face up to the hopelessness of their situation.
This is a story told with great skill and love. That it’s narrated by just one of the twins adds an extra dimension to the novel as we essentially only hear one side of the story. Although she paints a vivid picture of her sister, who emerges as the stronger and more stoical sibling, we are left to wonder how accurate this portrayal is, especially as their relationship begins to sour. Faith and Hope are remarkable heroines and you really identify with them but what I enjoyed most about the book was the characters who flit in and out of their life. This provides One-Two with the humour and colour that makes it so enjoyable to read.
My only minor gripe is the author’s habit of adding explanations in brackets for Russian references that he feels the reader may not understand. This started to annoy me a little as it broke the flow of the story and the explanations were often far too long-winded. He would have been far better served with footnotes for these points and some didn’t even need explaining at all as you could understand from the context what was inferred. But don’t let that put you off a remarkable and unique book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
June 5, 2017
Faith and Hope were born conjoined. Unable to cope, their mother signed them away to an institution where they became objects of endless studies. They were eventually transferred to a boarding school. Those were happy days for them. Never apart, always joined, Faith sometimes imagined what it would be like to be alone and free. One day they were driven to an orphanage, a rambling multi-story mansion filled with crippled children and teenagers. In their dormitory, the others made fun of them, but were also curious, never having seen conjoined twins before. It was a miserable time for them. After discovering the library, they spent much of their free time there as an escape and a window into the world outside. They learned that it was possible to have their bodies separated, but the school principal refused to endorse their application, promising that they would stay in the orphanage forever.
They ran away and managed to get to a large city, which they found daunting, seeing thousands of people milling about. They spent their first night there at a stinking hovel. The next day, they walked to the nearest hospital. But without clinical records and a passport, nobody would see them. They walked to many hospitals until one doctor saw them. They told him they want to be separated and the doctor told them it was not possible; they shared too many organs. Dejected, all hope lost, unable to find shelter, they walked around all night to keep warm. They finally found a derelict house where they rested. They had no money or food, and when they tried begging, everyone avoided them because they were joined. After two months, half-starved and winter was approaching, a revolting man employed them as beggars in exchange for shelter and food. Life could not get any worse for them, but at least they had something.
They discussed the possibility of finding their real mother, and after searching the local phone directory, they found several addresses that had their old surname. After six tries, they found her, but after the initial warm reception, their mother turned into a shrew, declaring that she hated them and they only appeared now to cheat her out of her apartment. After a few days, they decided to return to their abandoned house and begging. Summer came, and with it, a new man who took everything from the beggars he supervised. He found them new and more comfortable housing and provided free food in exchange for all the money they managed to collect. Their old life became a blurred memory, and the only thing they knew was begging, survival and slinking around the city, their dream of being separated forgotten. After a while, Faith got sick of this life and Hope wanted to kill herself. They were stuck at the bottom of the social ladder and resorted to drinking in order to forget the hopelessness of their existence. Being bound always, never apart, they started hating each other, but the fates did eventually extend them a helping hand.
‘One-Two’ is a complex, superbly written story told by Faith, dragging the reader through the bottom rungs of life in the old Soviet Union. It is a raw, unvarnished journey into the worst elements of social bigotry, rejection, and loss of hope that some will hesitate to take or complete, but it is one worth persevering with, although sobering. It takes courage to keep open the window into such a harsh world, and I must admit that I was tempted to close it more than once. ‘One-Two’ is a story that slowly captivates, and once hooked, difficult to abandon, leaving the reader wondering if it is possible to sink any lower, marveling at the tenacity to cling to life regardless how hopeless, devoid of a future or redemption, the only thing keeping Faith and Hope going was merely to live through the day.
Igor Eliseev has a deceptive and seemingly simple writing style not usually used for such works that nevertheless manages to weave an intricate tapestry of narrative and engaging dialogue with skill that makes it a pleasure to read. His portrayal of Faith and Hope is vivid and stark without descending into the darkness of morbid minds. What the twins endure to survive provides a sufficiently unadulterated picture for readers to fill in the unsavory details. Although the fates does throw them a lifeline, it came at a terrible price. The book is more or less all about Faith and how she perceives the world. I would have liked to see some insight into Hope, her likes, fears and desires, but this small deficiency does not diminish the value of this work. Readers will find this book disturbing, leaving them thoughtful at the realization that there are many versions of existence out there, and most of it is not very comfortable.
They ran away and managed to get to a large city, which they found daunting, seeing thousands of people milling about. They spent their first night there at a stinking hovel. The next day, they walked to the nearest hospital. But without clinical records and a passport, nobody would see them. They walked to many hospitals until one doctor saw them. They told him they want to be separated and the doctor told them it was not possible; they shared too many organs. Dejected, all hope lost, unable to find shelter, they walked around all night to keep warm. They finally found a derelict house where they rested. They had no money or food, and when they tried begging, everyone avoided them because they were joined. After two months, half-starved and winter was approaching, a revolting man employed them as beggars in exchange for shelter and food. Life could not get any worse for them, but at least they had something.
They discussed the possibility of finding their real mother, and after searching the local phone directory, they found several addresses that had their old surname. After six tries, they found her, but after the initial warm reception, their mother turned into a shrew, declaring that she hated them and they only appeared now to cheat her out of her apartment. After a few days, they decided to return to their abandoned house and begging. Summer came, and with it, a new man who took everything from the beggars he supervised. He found them new and more comfortable housing and provided free food in exchange for all the money they managed to collect. Their old life became a blurred memory, and the only thing they knew was begging, survival and slinking around the city, their dream of being separated forgotten. After a while, Faith got sick of this life and Hope wanted to kill herself. They were stuck at the bottom of the social ladder and resorted to drinking in order to forget the hopelessness of their existence. Being bound always, never apart, they started hating each other, but the fates did eventually extend them a helping hand.
‘One-Two’ is a complex, superbly written story told by Faith, dragging the reader through the bottom rungs of life in the old Soviet Union. It is a raw, unvarnished journey into the worst elements of social bigotry, rejection, and loss of hope that some will hesitate to take or complete, but it is one worth persevering with, although sobering. It takes courage to keep open the window into such a harsh world, and I must admit that I was tempted to close it more than once. ‘One-Two’ is a story that slowly captivates, and once hooked, difficult to abandon, leaving the reader wondering if it is possible to sink any lower, marveling at the tenacity to cling to life regardless how hopeless, devoid of a future or redemption, the only thing keeping Faith and Hope going was merely to live through the day.
Igor Eliseev has a deceptive and seemingly simple writing style not usually used for such works that nevertheless manages to weave an intricate tapestry of narrative and engaging dialogue with skill that makes it a pleasure to read. His portrayal of Faith and Hope is vivid and stark without descending into the darkness of morbid minds. What the twins endure to survive provides a sufficiently unadulterated picture for readers to fill in the unsavory details. Although the fates does throw them a lifeline, it came at a terrible price. The book is more or less all about Faith and how she perceives the world. I would have liked to see some insight into Hope, her likes, fears and desires, but this small deficiency does not diminish the value of this work. Readers will find this book disturbing, leaving them thoughtful at the realization that there are many versions of existence out there, and most of it is not very comfortable.
April 23, 2017
A real masterpiece, and no doubt about it. The famous old Russian novelist tradition has found a new representative, and his name is Igor Eliseev. His utterly unusual story of the life of two conjoined twins makes us cry, suffer, think, and even laugh at times; it is deeply philosophical and wonderfully poetic – it has got all the features of a truly great novel.
As we start out on that journey with the two sisters, we are forced to go through everything they go through – and considering their congenital characteristic, there will inevitably be a lot to go through. Isolation, mockery, exploitation, let alone the inner conflicts of someone who can never be alone. And there is a lot of evil out there in that changing world – Russia around 1991 – that goes from bad to worse, and sometimes we wonder if there really isn’t any good left in mankind; but, just in those moments, every time someone kind turns up in the twins’ life, and our belief in humanity is at least temporarily restored.
Everything in this book is perfect – the characters, the settings, the atmosphere, the style. This story will enthral and amaze anyone who is interested in a really serious, really high-class read.
As we start out on that journey with the two sisters, we are forced to go through everything they go through – and considering their congenital characteristic, there will inevitably be a lot to go through. Isolation, mockery, exploitation, let alone the inner conflicts of someone who can never be alone. And there is a lot of evil out there in that changing world – Russia around 1991 – that goes from bad to worse, and sometimes we wonder if there really isn’t any good left in mankind; but, just in those moments, every time someone kind turns up in the twins’ life, and our belief in humanity is at least temporarily restored.
Everything in this book is perfect – the characters, the settings, the atmosphere, the style. This story will enthral and amaze anyone who is interested in a really serious, really high-class read.
December 15, 2016
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
One-Two is a psychological drama written by Igor Eliseev. They were born as conjoined twins; there had been talk of letting them die at birth, words whispered in the delivery room and its environs. The two infant females survived; however, the difficulty of the delivery and the shock of the news about her babies led to the mother's mental instability. Yielding to pressure from the hospital administration, she signed a certificate of death, and the father was notified of the fact while he was traveling on business. Rootless and without family, the twins were experimental subjects for the institutes of pediatrics and, later, traumatology, then they were sent to a boarding school. Faith would fondly remember those years spent there -- she and Hope felt like normal kids there. Being out of the institutional settings of their early life was refreshing. Their windows had no bars, the school was set amidst forests redolent with the scents of pine and moss, and they had Lizzie as a friend. For Hope, "Lizzie was an embodiment of fireworks bursting with thousands of emotional colors and shades never seen in one person before."
Igor Eliseev's psychological coming of age novel, One-Two, is set during the 1980s and 1990s as the time of the Soviet Union passed and present-day Russia was in its infant throes. Eliseev's tale is heady, compelling and magical. His twins are conjoined, but two separate and sharply distinctive personalities share that one liver which the doctors claim makes separation an impossibility. I couldn't help but feel for the more intellectual Faith whose love of reading enables her to rise above the challenges and restrictions of her existence, even as the more worldly Hope scowls and acts bored while Faith is lost in those worlds of words.
As I read One-Two, I was reminded once again why I’ve gravitated towards the great Russian authors throughout my adult life. And reading One-Two, I felt again in the presence of greatness, a word that's often trivialized yet so apt here. I delighted in the glimpses of Gogol's humor present in the nicknames and descriptive imagery that flourish throughout this work: the strange little man who seems like a flat pumpkin, and the supervisor, Compass Legs, who enslaves the twins. Within these pages lurk all manner of beings, some awful and stinking, others dispensing kindness, wisdom and even love. Witnessing the life Faith and Hope live is a humbling experience. Seeing the romance implicit in the world is a bright star in this profound and brilliant novel. One-Two is a modern Russian master work with just a hint of Robertson Davies' influence shining through here and there. It's an astonishingly good read, a rich and heady draft of life seen through the perspective of a perceptive and lonely young woman who never quite loses the ability to dream or love. One-Two is most highly recommended.
One-Two is a psychological drama written by Igor Eliseev. They were born as conjoined twins; there had been talk of letting them die at birth, words whispered in the delivery room and its environs. The two infant females survived; however, the difficulty of the delivery and the shock of the news about her babies led to the mother's mental instability. Yielding to pressure from the hospital administration, she signed a certificate of death, and the father was notified of the fact while he was traveling on business. Rootless and without family, the twins were experimental subjects for the institutes of pediatrics and, later, traumatology, then they were sent to a boarding school. Faith would fondly remember those years spent there -- she and Hope felt like normal kids there. Being out of the institutional settings of their early life was refreshing. Their windows had no bars, the school was set amidst forests redolent with the scents of pine and moss, and they had Lizzie as a friend. For Hope, "Lizzie was an embodiment of fireworks bursting with thousands of emotional colors and shades never seen in one person before."
Igor Eliseev's psychological coming of age novel, One-Two, is set during the 1980s and 1990s as the time of the Soviet Union passed and present-day Russia was in its infant throes. Eliseev's tale is heady, compelling and magical. His twins are conjoined, but two separate and sharply distinctive personalities share that one liver which the doctors claim makes separation an impossibility. I couldn't help but feel for the more intellectual Faith whose love of reading enables her to rise above the challenges and restrictions of her existence, even as the more worldly Hope scowls and acts bored while Faith is lost in those worlds of words.
As I read One-Two, I was reminded once again why I’ve gravitated towards the great Russian authors throughout my adult life. And reading One-Two, I felt again in the presence of greatness, a word that's often trivialized yet so apt here. I delighted in the glimpses of Gogol's humor present in the nicknames and descriptive imagery that flourish throughout this work: the strange little man who seems like a flat pumpkin, and the supervisor, Compass Legs, who enslaves the twins. Within these pages lurk all manner of beings, some awful and stinking, others dispensing kindness, wisdom and even love. Witnessing the life Faith and Hope live is a humbling experience. Seeing the romance implicit in the world is a bright star in this profound and brilliant novel. One-Two is a modern Russian master work with just a hint of Robertson Davies' influence shining through here and there. It's an astonishingly good read, a rich and heady draft of life seen through the perspective of a perceptive and lonely young woman who never quite loses the ability to dream or love. One-Two is most highly recommended.
May 9, 2016
In One-Two, Igor Eliseev narrates a story with a difference. Faith and Hope are two conjoined babies, who find themselves special. In the words of one of them, “Very long time ago, when the earth was inhabited with centaurs and unicorns, there also lived beautiful two-headed people. As the millennia passed by, they built the houses and cities and lived happily ever after. But once upon a time the two most beautiful women who were joined together gave birth to an unusual girl. As soon as she came into the world, she gave her two mothers such a terrifying sight that they grew numb with disgust: their daughter had only one head. “How ugly she is, the gods must have cursed us for something,” one of them just uttered and burst into tears. All night long the women were inconsolable but at daybreak, after arguing for long, they finally decided to take the terrible child into the woods and leave her there though they perfectly knew she wouldn’t be able to survive alone.” “She managed to survive. Trees gave her shelter from heat and cold, wild animals brought her food, she satiated her thirst with water from a river. Some time has passed; the girl has grown up strong and healthy and gave life to the whole race of the one-headed people who populated all our earth and still dwell there.” They spend their childhood in a foster home and obtain primary education. Though the constant interruptions fro humiliations from society is always there, some light also could be seen – separation surgery is possible.
This novel is a graphical presentation of the difficulties and obstacles these girls meet on their way. And how they are putting up with all the public cynicism along with other constraints and conflicts. How they find a justification for their condition and accept it? This novel gives a good description of the search for answers to these and many other questions the protagonists face.
One-Two is a riveting novel that taxed (desirably, of course!) my psyche from the very first page to the last. The drama and its settings are so chosen as to give a sense of time and place, the main events being towards the later half of last century. It is a very good book to read, the theme, a refreshing variation, the narration, an easy and enjoyable style with each one of the characters also greatly different from the common. Cute illustrations and even cuter fonts for the imaginative chapter names also stand out, lending an aura of a real dream.
This novel is a graphical presentation of the difficulties and obstacles these girls meet on their way. And how they are putting up with all the public cynicism along with other constraints and conflicts. How they find a justification for their condition and accept it? This novel gives a good description of the search for answers to these and many other questions the protagonists face.
One-Two is a riveting novel that taxed (desirably, of course!) my psyche from the very first page to the last. The drama and its settings are so chosen as to give a sense of time and place, the main events being towards the later half of last century. It is a very good book to read, the theme, a refreshing variation, the narration, an easy and enjoyable style with each one of the characters also greatly different from the common. Cute illustrations and even cuter fonts for the imaginative chapter names also stand out, lending an aura of a real dream.
September 6, 2017
Classic Russian literature is what came to mind reading what I would call this literary grotesque allegory about two conjoined sisters living in the era of Perestroika, full of far more promises for those of us who didn't live in Russia at that time than for those who did, after all, in America it was Ronald Reagan that brought it all on, right? ("Mr. Gorbachev, tear down that wall!")
Haunting, provoking, relentless, the story stalks you, never letting you go, both in the story line, by which you constantly await the pathetic situation of the protagonists (two because they're connected) to improve and because it forces you to evaluate your own perspectives on many things, not the least of which is the idea behind "Faith" and "Hope"-- when they fail.
Dare I call myself an amateur scholar of Russian literature but I shall dare...Unlike America where there is absolutely NOTHING subtle about our drama (cars blowing up, going off cliffs, gunfights, screaming women, etc. etc.), classic Russian literature is more subtle yet just as powerful. In this sense, Eliseev's writing style reminded me of (confirmed) Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment which doesn't spend a lot of time on the crime but focuses on the self-torture that in the end is the punishment. Chekhov, Nabokov, Tolstoy---it's that kind of novel. It read like classic Russian literature, in these "modern" times.
It is also allegory--about so many things---the "collapse" of the Soviet Union, one's life expectations, the innate cruelty of the human primate to be cruel to other human primates, the fallacy of family as the bulwark of support and love, how we change as we grow older, have terrible experiences, grow jaded...as that hope and faith thing fades into the white light at the end of the....
It is an astounding story, deserves classic status, and from such a young author. We await more.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a review.
Haunting, provoking, relentless, the story stalks you, never letting you go, both in the story line, by which you constantly await the pathetic situation of the protagonists (two because they're connected) to improve and because it forces you to evaluate your own perspectives on many things, not the least of which is the idea behind "Faith" and "Hope"-- when they fail.
Dare I call myself an amateur scholar of Russian literature but I shall dare...Unlike America where there is absolutely NOTHING subtle about our drama (cars blowing up, going off cliffs, gunfights, screaming women, etc. etc.), classic Russian literature is more subtle yet just as powerful. In this sense, Eliseev's writing style reminded me of (confirmed) Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment which doesn't spend a lot of time on the crime but focuses on the self-torture that in the end is the punishment. Chekhov, Nabokov, Tolstoy---it's that kind of novel. It read like classic Russian literature, in these "modern" times.
It is also allegory--about so many things---the "collapse" of the Soviet Union, one's life expectations, the innate cruelty of the human primate to be cruel to other human primates, the fallacy of family as the bulwark of support and love, how we change as we grow older, have terrible experiences, grow jaded...as that hope and faith thing fades into the white light at the end of the....
It is an astounding story, deserves classic status, and from such a young author. We await more.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a review.
May 17, 2016
"Sometimes, inorder to start all over again one needs to step back, not forward"
long time ago I read a story called "the girls" by Lori Lansens. It was about the two oldest sisters who were joined at the head and their extraordinary story.
When I got the chance to read the psychological drama "One-Two" by Russian author Igor Eliseev. I thought that we have already seen this and done that. However, once i started with the first page i was so captivated with the story and i discovered its much more than a conjoined sisters who lived the abuse, the hardship of life and their struggle to survive, where the events unfolded in Russia in 1980s and 1990s. Its a total a new meaning of whats beautiful, the pursuit of happiness, how to look at a glass half full, not taking each other for granted , and most of all it reminded me that being different is good. Being different is a miracle!
"And still they didn't hurry to die, demonstrating incredible miracles of longevity, clinging to life by all means possible; and the more worthless it was, the more unwilling they were to leave"
Reading this story made me sad and moved by their emotions. I enjoyed the unexpected ending and i couldn't hope for a better one. Also I truly felt that the author wrote it with care, to gather all of these meaningful advices for the reader. I kept highlighting my favorite quotes and they were so many it became hard which one to choose in this review.
I recommend this book for everyone who questions life and its hardship. It even holds a greater message: "how to stay human until the end."
long time ago I read a story called "the girls" by Lori Lansens. It was about the two oldest sisters who were joined at the head and their extraordinary story.
When I got the chance to read the psychological drama "One-Two" by Russian author Igor Eliseev. I thought that we have already seen this and done that. However, once i started with the first page i was so captivated with the story and i discovered its much more than a conjoined sisters who lived the abuse, the hardship of life and their struggle to survive, where the events unfolded in Russia in 1980s and 1990s. Its a total a new meaning of whats beautiful, the pursuit of happiness, how to look at a glass half full, not taking each other for granted , and most of all it reminded me that being different is good. Being different is a miracle!
"And still they didn't hurry to die, demonstrating incredible miracles of longevity, clinging to life by all means possible; and the more worthless it was, the more unwilling they were to leave"
Reading this story made me sad and moved by their emotions. I enjoyed the unexpected ending and i couldn't hope for a better one. Also I truly felt that the author wrote it with care, to gather all of these meaningful advices for the reader. I kept highlighting my favorite quotes and they were so many it became hard which one to choose in this review.
I recommend this book for everyone who questions life and its hardship. It even holds a greater message: "how to stay human until the end."
September 9, 2016
This is a story of two conjoined twins, Faith and Hope, and their struggles in dealing with the judgemental and often very cruel members of society. Mr. Eliseev's unique style of writing drew me in and made feel the deep pain and anguish that the twins had to endure. I couldn't help but feel deep compassion for them and great sensitivity for what they were going through.
It is dark in its theme, but intriguing and realistic as well. Life often is cruel and a never ending struggle. This novel also addresses the subject of societal norms and what is considered normal or abnormal. Those who judge the twins and behave remorselessly toward them consider themselves normal but their lack of empathy and conscience can be said to be abnormal.
The struggle of Faith and Hope is a struggle to persevere against great odds. It is a story of life told in a unique and compelling. An excellent read by a talent writer!
It is dark in its theme, but intriguing and realistic as well. Life often is cruel and a never ending struggle. This novel also addresses the subject of societal norms and what is considered normal or abnormal. Those who judge the twins and behave remorselessly toward them consider themselves normal but their lack of empathy and conscience can be said to be abnormal.
The struggle of Faith and Hope is a struggle to persevere against great odds. It is a story of life told in a unique and compelling. An excellent read by a talent writer!
April 25, 2016
Where there is hope, there is faith.
Before I read it I didn’t know what to expect. What I did expect was a painful and psychological journey to hell, however, the plot was surprising, full of hope and faith, except for some general speculations about the relation between helplessness or horror and some possibility of a good outcome. With Faith’s soul searching monologues about her (and our) purpose in life, we feel much of what she feels. The author succeeded in describing feelings and emotions of his characters in such a way that his readers actually go through what his characters are going through.
All the characters truly have a life of their own, real in every motion, which, in conclusion of the conflict, reveals the essence of unconditional being and its relation to the real world through a system of philosophical categories. This book is about some important questions that all of us should ask. These questions are universal: is it more important for us to be together rather than apart? True love: what it is and what it's not? Do all other people feel like I do? There are so many questions brought about in the book. And I hope that pretty much all of us have similar answers.
Although I found the analysis of the damned human race a bit excessive, this is a marvelous, deep book, one of the few books I’ve read.
Before I read it I didn’t know what to expect. What I did expect was a painful and psychological journey to hell, however, the plot was surprising, full of hope and faith, except for some general speculations about the relation between helplessness or horror and some possibility of a good outcome. With Faith’s soul searching monologues about her (and our) purpose in life, we feel much of what she feels. The author succeeded in describing feelings and emotions of his characters in such a way that his readers actually go through what his characters are going through.
All the characters truly have a life of their own, real in every motion, which, in conclusion of the conflict, reveals the essence of unconditional being and its relation to the real world through a system of philosophical categories. This book is about some important questions that all of us should ask. These questions are universal: is it more important for us to be together rather than apart? True love: what it is and what it's not? Do all other people feel like I do? There are so many questions brought about in the book. And I hope that pretty much all of us have similar answers.
Although I found the analysis of the damned human race a bit excessive, this is a marvelous, deep book, one of the few books I’ve read.
July 25, 2016
One-Two is a Perestroika time Les Misérables.
National mentality, infected by perverted idea of Communism, brought up the overwhelming brutality, which hurts the least protected ones - kids-orphans with disabilities...
Well written and illustrated the One-Two by Igor Eliseev is highly recommendable to anyone keen on Russian mentality around Perestroika time.
National mentality, infected by perverted idea of Communism, brought up the overwhelming brutality, which hurts the least protected ones - kids-orphans with disabilities...
Well written and illustrated the One-Two by Igor Eliseev is highly recommendable to anyone keen on Russian mentality around Perestroika time.
May 28, 2018
Written in the best tradition of what I call “Russian noir-realism”, Igor Eliseev's One-Two paints a raw and lurid picture of the life of Soviet and post-Soviet outcasts, people whom the society rejected, denied an opportunity to be part of the “normal” life -- whatever this “normal” was, as the Soviet Union crumbled, fell and disintegrated. Told in her head by a conjoined twin to her sister, it is a story of their growing up unwanted and unloved at the bottom ladder of the society, but never quite losing Hope and Faith (the names of the twins).
One-Two is a painful and at times depressing story, but one that demands to be told, one that makes people pause to think, one where disgust (with some of the characters and situations) gives birth to compassion—with those who are forced to endure the bleakest of existence that fate has dealt them.
While some readers may think this novel is written in too simplistic a language (not a native language for the author, either) and style for a literary fiction, we should remember that the story is narrated by very young girl with the best of the education she got is from reading whatever books available in the library of an unwanted children home. Simple and naïve in the beginning, the readers witness her slow maturity through the story she tells, her observations of their miserly surroundings, the way she poses philosophical questions and draws lessons, as she and her inseparable sister go through their desolate life.
While I rate the story as exceptional, I thought the editors of the book could have done a better service to it by conveying better some nuances of Russian culture and the language, perhaps in more colloquial English (as opposed to straight forward translation of some words, which lost them their vernacular feel in English). As it is, I’m afraid, some of them will be lost on English language speakers, which is a shame. Therefore, I give this book 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
One-Two is a painful and at times depressing story, but one that demands to be told, one that makes people pause to think, one where disgust (with some of the characters and situations) gives birth to compassion—with those who are forced to endure the bleakest of existence that fate has dealt them.
While some readers may think this novel is written in too simplistic a language (not a native language for the author, either) and style for a literary fiction, we should remember that the story is narrated by very young girl with the best of the education she got is from reading whatever books available in the library of an unwanted children home. Simple and naïve in the beginning, the readers witness her slow maturity through the story she tells, her observations of their miserly surroundings, the way she poses philosophical questions and draws lessons, as she and her inseparable sister go through their desolate life.
While I rate the story as exceptional, I thought the editors of the book could have done a better service to it by conveying better some nuances of Russian culture and the language, perhaps in more colloquial English (as opposed to straight forward translation of some words, which lost them their vernacular feel in English). As it is, I’m afraid, some of them will be lost on English language speakers, which is a shame. Therefore, I give this book 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
March 31, 2017
The author has crafted a touching-- heartbreaking-- story of conjoined sisters struggling to survive in a harsh environment. The girls are reviled, raped, abused, shunned, and exploited at every turn. Yet, despite these desperate circumstances, there are magnificent acts of kindness from strangers-- and unexpected relatives-- whom they meet. And survival.
All this is related in a stilted, yet poetic vernacular, which does a fine job of capturing the awkward Soviet formality juxtaposed with the dismissive irreverance of people long accustomed to suffering. This is not a place for those who take themselves, their problems, their fears-- too seriously. The ending is moving and so appropriate you welcome its release. And along the way, there are moments of great beauty and clarity, such as the fable one girl crafts to comfort the other:
"A very long time ago, when the earth was inhabited by centaurs and unicorns, there also lived beautiful, two-headed people. As the millennia passed, they built houses and cities and lived happily ever after. But there came a time when the two most beautiful women who were joined together gave birth to an unusual girl. As soon as she came into the world, she had two mothers but they grew numb with disgust. Their daughter had only one head. 'How ugly she is; the gods must have cursed us,' one of the uttered and burst into tears."
All this is related in a stilted, yet poetic vernacular, which does a fine job of capturing the awkward Soviet formality juxtaposed with the dismissive irreverance of people long accustomed to suffering. This is not a place for those who take themselves, their problems, their fears-- too seriously. The ending is moving and so appropriate you welcome its release. And along the way, there are moments of great beauty and clarity, such as the fable one girl crafts to comfort the other:
"A very long time ago, when the earth was inhabited by centaurs and unicorns, there also lived beautiful, two-headed people. As the millennia passed, they built houses and cities and lived happily ever after. But there came a time when the two most beautiful women who were joined together gave birth to an unusual girl. As soon as she came into the world, she had two mothers but they grew numb with disgust. Their daughter had only one head. 'How ugly she is; the gods must have cursed us,' one of the uttered and burst into tears."
September 9, 2016
This Kafkaesque tale by Igor Eliseev revolves around two protagonists who are joined at the hip. Faith and Hope are two conjoined twin sisters living in Russia during the Perestroika years of the 80s and 90s, and the story is narrated by Faith throughout. We follow their hardships and subterranean existence, excluded from the world at large, and we are introduced to a colourful array of characters along the way. There are touches here of Marcus Zuzack’s ‘Book Thief’ in the way that Eliseev cleverly and quite beautifully uses language and tone of voice. On one level, one might see this book as a metaphor for the transformation of the Soviet Union. But ultimately, this is a lyrical and beautifully descriptive work of fiction about the human condition, and its closing pages are both poignant and heartbreaking. Alex Pearl is author of ‘Sleeping with the Blackbirds’
July 10, 2017
What an amazing, thought-provoking, profound book. It captured my attention right away and kept it to the end. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about when I could pick it up again and continue.
One-Two is a compelling, heart-wrenching story of conjoined twins, Faith and Hope--and these names aren't arbitrary. It chronicles their time in a foster home to a blind woman's house to Moscow's streets, and each of these settings has its own cast of colorful, unique characters.
Their journey is layer upon layer of sadness, disability, and cruelty, and yet Mr. Eliseev gives the girls enough "light" or enough reason to choose an indomitable spirit as they survive each day. It takes a masterful writer to capture the suffering of Faith, Hope and those whom they meet, and still draw the reader in, still have the reader turning pages. It portrays a deep understanding of human nature, both tragic and kind, both defeated and happy, and I was left with the beauty of faith, hope, and, yes, charity to hold in our hearts.
Vivid, poetic at times, with brilliance scattered throughout, One-Two has many gems of wisdom that shine brightly. Highly recommend.
One-Two is a compelling, heart-wrenching story of conjoined twins, Faith and Hope--and these names aren't arbitrary. It chronicles their time in a foster home to a blind woman's house to Moscow's streets, and each of these settings has its own cast of colorful, unique characters.
Their journey is layer upon layer of sadness, disability, and cruelty, and yet Mr. Eliseev gives the girls enough "light" or enough reason to choose an indomitable spirit as they survive each day. It takes a masterful writer to capture the suffering of Faith, Hope and those whom they meet, and still draw the reader in, still have the reader turning pages. It portrays a deep understanding of human nature, both tragic and kind, both defeated and happy, and I was left with the beauty of faith, hope, and, yes, charity to hold in our hearts.
Vivid, poetic at times, with brilliance scattered throughout, One-Two has many gems of wisdom that shine brightly. Highly recommend.
April 26, 2016
I tried to write this literature review several times. I started it, then read it, and then threw it aside, until finally the words flowed out of me.
At the outset, I wish to say that reading good books make us aware of the deeper meaning of each event and how it can encourage us to explore the unknown. Delving into the depths of his soul, the One-Two book author has somehow managed to show all our torments between sufferings and self, life and death, the eternal pursuit of happiness and … it’s not about us, however. This novel is about two conjoined twin girls who were wrestling against the two greatest temptations in the history of mankind: the unwillingness to live and the inability to die.
Strange as it may seem, sooner or later everyone may face the same temptations... On the other hand, there are a lot of good books to prevent the worst from happening, and become better than you were before; and this book is undoubtedly one of them. It’s one of the best and poignant books I’ve ever read.
At the outset, I wish to say that reading good books make us aware of the deeper meaning of each event and how it can encourage us to explore the unknown. Delving into the depths of his soul, the One-Two book author has somehow managed to show all our torments between sufferings and self, life and death, the eternal pursuit of happiness and … it’s not about us, however. This novel is about two conjoined twin girls who were wrestling against the two greatest temptations in the history of mankind: the unwillingness to live and the inability to die.
Strange as it may seem, sooner or later everyone may face the same temptations... On the other hand, there are a lot of good books to prevent the worst from happening, and become better than you were before; and this book is undoubtedly one of them. It’s one of the best and poignant books I’ve ever read.
August 29, 2016
An engaging novel seen through the eyes of a conjoined twin, entirely addressed to her other half. Igor Eliseev writes a dark story that pulls the reader in on every page. Penetrated by a 'Les Miserables' desperation, this story has a Tolstoy feel.
I especially love the pictures drawn by this talented writer. "Hundreds of eyes - tired bored, lost or simply curious gave us a stare; so harmoniously that it was possible to think they belonged together ... acting as a unified organism."
One-Two takes place in Russia, but it was hard for this American to know the era. There were times it seemed current, but mostly it seemed turn of the century. I didn't find out that it was 1990-91 till it was close to the end. Even so I give this novel a big thumb’s up. Congratulations Igor for bringing a riveting story to life.
I especially love the pictures drawn by this talented writer. "Hundreds of eyes - tired bored, lost or simply curious gave us a stare; so harmoniously that it was possible to think they belonged together ... acting as a unified organism."
One-Two takes place in Russia, but it was hard for this American to know the era. There were times it seemed current, but mostly it seemed turn of the century. I didn't find out that it was 1990-91 till it was close to the end. Even so I give this novel a big thumb’s up. Congratulations Igor for bringing a riveting story to life.
September 29, 2016
I enjoyed reading this novel by Igor Eliseev. He does a good job of causing the reader to examine the true meaning of beauty. The two conjoined twins are faced with a tough life, one being the stronger seems to narrate the story to the weaker sister as if she isn't there. The experiences the twins face as they are being judged based on their physical appearance is indicative of how society judges others from the outside instead of searching the soul of a person. I found the novel to be quite intriguing and introspective, it caused me to think of things of importance and value that are internal.
The language and prose of the writer was simple yet elegant in describing the story. I felt as though I was in a group home of misfits but found myself relating to them with compassion. If you're looking for a read that is memorable and evokes self reflection, this is a great read.
The language and prose of the writer was simple yet elegant in describing the story. I felt as though I was in a group home of misfits but found myself relating to them with compassion. If you're looking for a read that is memorable and evokes self reflection, this is a great read.
May 25, 2016
From a literary point of view, One-Two is the best work of newest Russian literature written in English.
This book has literally blown my mind to pieces and exasperated me. Its stinging truth awakens your conscience, opens your eyes and heart and fills you with the most vivid compassion to heroines and people in general. The scenery, the dialogues, the historic background are incredibly realistic. It’s maybe too hard to embrace for sensitive natures, but the leading idea expressed in the conclusion makes it totally worth reading.
You can’t possibly stay out of this distinguished and challenging story as a detached witness once you begin to read it. And after finishing it, I bet you will never be the same person you used to be.
This book has literally blown my mind to pieces and exasperated me. Its stinging truth awakens your conscience, opens your eyes and heart and fills you with the most vivid compassion to heroines and people in general. The scenery, the dialogues, the historic background are incredibly realistic. It’s maybe too hard to embrace for sensitive natures, but the leading idea expressed in the conclusion makes it totally worth reading.
You can’t possibly stay out of this distinguished and challenging story as a detached witness once you begin to read it. And after finishing it, I bet you will never be the same person you used to be.
June 15, 2016
An interesting, sardonically laced tale about conjoined twins. This book, One-Two, was truly something I enjoyed reading! I appreciated the different viewpoints and events it provided in a world where being different is often viewed with skepticism and occasional acceptance from others who are also different. Definitely insightful and thought provoking in relation to the duality of experienced reality from the protagonist twins, Faith and Hope. I tip my hat to the author, Igor Eliseev, in writing this story and crafting such a unique gem. I would recommend this story for those of you who would like to experience the life perspective of the protagonists this psychological drama novel has to offer and thank the author for this opportunity.
May 13, 2016
"One-Two" has a slower pace but an unpredictable ending makes reading this book well worth the effort. It is a touching story about the inability of society to accept someone based upon who they are. There are a lot heroes and anti-heroes in the book and seemingly predictable plot structure that is turned upside down in order to be right side up. I really hope this book helps us find a part of ourselves identifying with the main characters Faith and Hope.
It is not a fast-paced literary thriller but a rather slow-moving tragic drama that will interact with your emotional world, if you don’t mind heavy reading.
It is not a fast-paced literary thriller but a rather slow-moving tragic drama that will interact with your emotional world, if you don’t mind heavy reading.
July 24, 2016
I won’t bother with the cold war between USSR and the USA and how bleak Russia is, at this moment in time, the whole world is bleak,I will just talk about the book by Igor Eliseev, One-Two, he has touched on a subject not many would bother with, conjoined twins, Faith and Hope,and what a wonderful job he has achieved, I asked him if he had any first hand information and he told me the book was all his imagination, and what an imagination, the story is so bold and informative, and has some sad times, but life is like that and will never be a perfect world, a great piece of fiction and I congratulate him. “Gud on ya” as they say where I come from in Australia.
January 22, 2017
One-Two is set in Russia and the story takes place in the 1980's and 1990's. The story revolves around two conjoined twin girls named Faith and Hope. Shortly after their birth, they are placed in an institution for foster children. The story is primarily told in the first person voice of Faith, and through her narration, we begin to understand just how painful and traumatic their lives are. The verbal abuse as well as the lack of love and affection from the staff as well as from the other children further cements the strong bond they share with each other.
This book is hard to read at times, but ultimately you see that love really does triumph under even the most difficult of situations.
This book is hard to read at times, but ultimately you see that love really does triumph under even the most difficult of situations.
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