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The Cruel Romance: A Novel of Love and War
On October 1941, in a small village outside Moscow, Serafima bids farewell to Vitya, a Soviet officer going to the front. With only moments left together, she places a cross around her beloveds neck and reluctantly releases him into a cruel world where nothing is certain, especially whether she will ever see him again.
Days later, Germans invade her village and take over her tiny house. Serafima and her mother must comply with orders, endure abuse, and stay put, or their village will be annihilated.
As World War II intertwines Serafimas and Vityas life with that of a young German violinist and a Russian intellectual, their destinies are irrevocably altered. Can they rise to the challenge of agonizing moral choices and learn to forgive and love again?
Days later, Germans invade her village and take over her tiny house. Serafima and her mother must comply with orders, endure abuse, and stay put, or their village will be annihilated.
As World War II intertwines Serafimas and Vityas life with that of a young German violinist and a Russian intellectual, their destinies are irrevocably altered. Can they rise to the challenge of agonizing moral choices and learn to forgive and love again?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2016
69 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Marina Osipova
8 books32 followersMarina Osipova was born in East Germany into a military family and grew up in Russia, where she graduated from the Moscow State Institute of History and Archives. When she was five, she decided she wanted to speak German and, years later, she earned a diploma as a German language translator from the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Languages. In Russia, she worked first in a scientific-technical institute as a translator, then in a Government Ministry in the office of international relations, later for some Austrian firms. For many years, she lived in New York, working in a law firm, and then in Austria for several years. In the spring of 2022, after spending ten months in Russia, some unfortunate world events brought her back to the United States.
A long-standing member of the Historical Novel Society, she is dedicated to writing historical fiction, especially related to WWII. Her books garnered numerous literary awards, including a 1st Place WINNER of the 2021 Hemingway Book Awards novel competition for 20th Century Wartime Fiction (a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards). At some point or another, all her books hit the Amazon Top 100 lists in Historical Russian Fiction and Historical German Fiction and How Dare the Birds Sing even #1 or #2 in War Fiction in Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Her readers praise her books for “emotional realism,” for “taking on a subject that few authors have touched,” for “writing with heart and compassion while not holding back from hard cold realities of war,” for “giving an authentic and in-depth look at a culture that tends to baffle westerners.”
To learn more about Marina Osipova and her captivating books, visit her website at https://www. marina-osipova.com.
You can find her also on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marina.osipo...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/marosikok
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-os...
A long-standing member of the Historical Novel Society, she is dedicated to writing historical fiction, especially related to WWII. Her books garnered numerous literary awards, including a 1st Place WINNER of the 2021 Hemingway Book Awards novel competition for 20th Century Wartime Fiction (a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards). At some point or another, all her books hit the Amazon Top 100 lists in Historical Russian Fiction and Historical German Fiction and How Dare the Birds Sing even #1 or #2 in War Fiction in Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Her readers praise her books for “emotional realism,” for “taking on a subject that few authors have touched,” for “writing with heart and compassion while not holding back from hard cold realities of war,” for “giving an authentic and in-depth look at a culture that tends to baffle westerners.”
To learn more about Marina Osipova and her captivating books, visit her website at https://www. marina-osipova.com.
You can find her also on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marina.osipo...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/marosikok
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-os...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 31, 2022
I am a huge fan of Marina Osipova's writing and this book is one of her best. Beautifully written, it covers the harshness of the German assault on the Soviet Union until after the war. Although it is the story of Seraphima, a young village girl caught up in the brutality of war, it is much more than a story of survival, as we get to see how life unfolded after the war; the unflinching paranoia of the Stalinist government at a time when fear of purges pervaded every aspect of life. Like many of this author's novels, it is psychologically haunting, well researched, and takes you to places you never imagine to go. This is a novel that will stay with me for a long time and I cannot speak highly enough of it.
June 20, 2020
A well written novel with central characters and events that will stay with you long after the book is finished.
The story is told with stark realism of life in a small village near Moscow and of the conflict on the Eastern Front, at a time when Russia and Germany were back and forth across each other’s border with devastating consequences. For all the horror, suffering and death of the men fighting on the front line, it was the women and children who ended up being brutalised, starved and reviled by their own.
There is already poverty in the village where Serafima lives with her single mother in a small house that catches the eye of the commander of the invading German forces as his billet.
Despite the forced labour and the harsh Russian winter, Serafima keeps her dreams alive by thinking of Vitya who she loves and is now on the front. Then one day there is a devastating event that would not only change her life for ever, but that of a young German soldier whose gentleness has been twisted by the military code of domination.
Threaded through the inhumanity of war, is the beauty of music, kindness from unexpected sources, compassion, rekindling of maternal love and forgiveness.
All the characters are strongly drawn and evolve through the story as events bring about fundamental changes to their personalities and behaviour. Some become dehumanised whilst others seek redemption. We follow their lives during the conflict and in the uneasy peace that follows, discovering their inner thoughts in letters written to family and loved ones.
With the war ended, the race to grab power in the resulting vacuum is lethal in its unbending drive to annihilate any resistance. Even from those who have fought for their country or worked as slaves in the factories to support the war effort. For a population already starved of food, freedom and rights during war, there is little difference in peace time.
This book is not a Mills and Boon romance, it is stark, realistic and emotive with a surprising ending that does at least bring all the threads together with a feeling of closure. Whilst a little more justice was deserved by one or two, in the real world that does not always happen, especially when the people concerned are shielded by the uniform that they wear.
It is a reminder that whilst there is bravery on an individual basis in war, there is also inhumanity, cruelty and dishonour, tragically aimed at those least able to defend themselves. Recommended.
The story is told with stark realism of life in a small village near Moscow and of the conflict on the Eastern Front, at a time when Russia and Germany were back and forth across each other’s border with devastating consequences. For all the horror, suffering and death of the men fighting on the front line, it was the women and children who ended up being brutalised, starved and reviled by their own.
There is already poverty in the village where Serafima lives with her single mother in a small house that catches the eye of the commander of the invading German forces as his billet.
Despite the forced labour and the harsh Russian winter, Serafima keeps her dreams alive by thinking of Vitya who she loves and is now on the front. Then one day there is a devastating event that would not only change her life for ever, but that of a young German soldier whose gentleness has been twisted by the military code of domination.
Threaded through the inhumanity of war, is the beauty of music, kindness from unexpected sources, compassion, rekindling of maternal love and forgiveness.
All the characters are strongly drawn and evolve through the story as events bring about fundamental changes to their personalities and behaviour. Some become dehumanised whilst others seek redemption. We follow their lives during the conflict and in the uneasy peace that follows, discovering their inner thoughts in letters written to family and loved ones.
With the war ended, the race to grab power in the resulting vacuum is lethal in its unbending drive to annihilate any resistance. Even from those who have fought for their country or worked as slaves in the factories to support the war effort. For a population already starved of food, freedom and rights during war, there is little difference in peace time.
This book is not a Mills and Boon romance, it is stark, realistic and emotive with a surprising ending that does at least bring all the threads together with a feeling of closure. Whilst a little more justice was deserved by one or two, in the real world that does not always happen, especially when the people concerned are shielded by the uniform that they wear.
It is a reminder that whilst there is bravery on an individual basis in war, there is also inhumanity, cruelty and dishonour, tragically aimed at those least able to defend themselves. Recommended.
October 21, 2018
It is not easy to describe what this book is all about. I read it because I lived through the time (WWII) with similar circumstances. Cruel it was, and cruel parts of this book are hard to 'digest' for the reader who "had no idea." I found the beginning a bit superficial in luck for a better word - but once I was into it, I couldn't put it down. I rooted for the one character, I thought of what I would do, I hated the other, I wondered what would happen next, I wished this one or the other would not come back from the war but I was not prepared for the ending. How unfair, how cruel, how can people be consumed with so much hate after many years of 'peace' - how can anyone be so brainwashed and scheming? Put innocent people into jail because of some deeply personal feelings, nothing to do with the war that was long over? I lived through and understand 'war' - but there is a time to let go, even for forgiveness. Apparently not in this 'Romance.' There is the "Real War" and then there is the private, personal war within cruel people, so full of hate that it destroys the life of the innocent, and unknowingly ruins their own life as well.
I could easily believe this story is based on a personal background - but I am glad it is supposed to be 'fiction.' But - I can assure you, these things are not fiction, they happened. I wrote about it in my memoir "We Don't Talk About That."
I could easily believe this story is based on a personal background - but I am glad it is supposed to be 'fiction.' But - I can assure you, these things are not fiction, they happened. I wrote about it in my memoir "We Don't Talk About That."
February 25, 2018
I liked the cover; it indicates the genre of the novel (historical romantic). You will notice from the cover that the novel is a romantic historical novel, its set somewhere in middle Asia, and the spirit of war closely applied to the name of the novel and the costume of the man on the book cover. You will again recognize the only form of communication between them was by written messages or maybe a memoir of one of them. The cover was closely related to the story, the genre and translates the content and the theme the author was seeking to pass to her readers. However, it could be fancier and more attractive especially the colours employed, and the font used.
I admired the introduction of Russian names. Teach how the Russian naming system work which is unclear for many of us. I saw the thrilling effect and the show do not tell effect from the initial paragraph of the first chapter “the damned war”.
The explanation of the surrounding atmosphere was clear, soft to imagine and frequently pleasing. Nice expressions like “The Polar Star gleamed piercingly. The horned and spotted moon poured down a flood of uncertain light”. Or “The birch logs crackled in the stove. The reflection of the flames flitted up the walls and flickered off the icon of the Savior, darkened with time" will be discovered in all chapters while you go on your reading.
The names were challenging to pronounce for me and I figure out this is reasonable for an English speaker who tried to figure out how to spoke the Russian names LOL.
The novel happened in 1941 in a tiny village in Russia. And talked about romance, go to war and the World War 2. And how the war changed the lives of thousands of lovers around Russia. And the inhumanity of war which did not care about the pure dreams of the young adults. (However, love and romance will ever bloom).
I loved the poets used between the lines. They were not fancy but will draw you to the perfect place you should be at the needed point. And translates the feelings of the character which wish to tell about him/herself.
“Wear this, Vitya. Oh Lord, defend him and save him, cover him with Thy wings, he is all I have in the world…” this part was striking to the emotions so I picked to quote it in my review.
The plot was quick and exciting. The progression from chapter to another was soft and not sticky. I discovered some slowly paced paragraphs, however, it did not disturb the plot or the sense of reading.
The grammar of the novel was excellent except I saw using adverbs more than expected, which may influence the quality of reading or understanding, however, it was minor. The expressions employed was simple to read and understand. And this will make the reading experience more pleasing even for non-English readers.
I admired the introduction of Russian names. Teach how the Russian naming system work which is unclear for many of us. I saw the thrilling effect and the show do not tell effect from the initial paragraph of the first chapter “the damned war”.
The explanation of the surrounding atmosphere was clear, soft to imagine and frequently pleasing. Nice expressions like “The Polar Star gleamed piercingly. The horned and spotted moon poured down a flood of uncertain light”. Or “The birch logs crackled in the stove. The reflection of the flames flitted up the walls and flickered off the icon of the Savior, darkened with time" will be discovered in all chapters while you go on your reading.
The names were challenging to pronounce for me and I figure out this is reasonable for an English speaker who tried to figure out how to spoke the Russian names LOL.
The novel happened in 1941 in a tiny village in Russia. And talked about romance, go to war and the World War 2. And how the war changed the lives of thousands of lovers around Russia. And the inhumanity of war which did not care about the pure dreams of the young adults. (However, love and romance will ever bloom).
I loved the poets used between the lines. They were not fancy but will draw you to the perfect place you should be at the needed point. And translates the feelings of the character which wish to tell about him/herself.
“Wear this, Vitya. Oh Lord, defend him and save him, cover him with Thy wings, he is all I have in the world…” this part was striking to the emotions so I picked to quote it in my review.
The plot was quick and exciting. The progression from chapter to another was soft and not sticky. I discovered some slowly paced paragraphs, however, it did not disturb the plot or the sense of reading.
The grammar of the novel was excellent except I saw using adverbs more than expected, which may influence the quality of reading or understanding, however, it was minor. The expressions employed was simple to read and understand. And this will make the reading experience more pleasing even for non-English readers.
January 27, 2019
This novel is extremely well written! I do not usually read war-type novels, though this novel kept my interest from page one! The characters, situations and events are so real and raw. I felt so many emotions as I followed Serafima. I cant speak to the accuracy of the history however, I can say the story was so well created I could have been reading a true-life account. I could almost hear them play the violin together!
I did NOT expect the ending at all!! I may have not liked everything that happened in the story, especially the ending but this was truly a fantastic book and one i will not soon forget!!!!!
I did NOT expect the ending at all!! I may have not liked everything that happened in the story, especially the ending but this was truly a fantastic book and one i will not soon forget!!!!!
September 4, 2018
Have you ever read a book that was so good that you wished there was a movie about it? This is exactly what happened to me after I finished “The Cruel Romance.” The setting was so authentic, the characters so vivid and real, and the atmosphere so haunting and emotionally-charged that I couldn’t help but moan, “I wish I saw this on the big screen” from time to time! The story is set in the Eastern front, where too few historical fiction authors dare to go, unfortunately. Just this fact makes this excellent novel stand out among many of its WW2 peers. But to me, it was the characters that made me fall in love with the plot - real, authentic, multi-dimensional, with all of their doubts, hopes, sufferings, and their will to go on despite it all. The ending was perfect and left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling after all the devastation that the characters had to go through. Meticulously researched and beautifully presented, “The Cruel Romance” will keep you captivated till the very last page is turned. Highly recommended to all fans of the genre!
January 17, 2018
The Cruel Romance: A Novel of Love and War, by Marina Osipova, is an excellently written story that draws the reader through every page of this bitter love story, set in World War II and post-war Russia. It is the dramatic and realistic rendering of one young girl's journey, through German occupation, to post-war trauma and the fight to find relevance and happiness in life again. This is a haunting tale, beautifully scripted and laced with wonderfully composed metaphors and descriptive passages that turn an otherwise dark and heinous period of human history, into something that is palatable and at times, even simplistically beautiful. It is an historical fiction, and certainly, provides an insight into what life was like in Russia during the German invasion, and the Stalinistic society that evolved in the aftermath of the war. A gripping, somewhat tragic, and yet, mesmerizing tale of love and war.
March 3, 2019
What a wonderful book. I loved it, though 'loving' is the wrong word to use - it's a terrible story that I found in parts frustrating - how cruel humanity can be to each other and the fact that the 'kind of' happy ending was very hard won. It's a powerful story, very well told, and while I'm not sure how much us based on truth or how much is just fiction, there is truth in each post WW2 story and this one is beautifully told.
*spoilers*
I'll admit that by the half-way mark I had a feeling of dread that things weren't going to turn out well for the characters, and I hate that it's very true to life in that the bad guy didn't get his comeuppance, but... that's life.
All in all a fantastic read that kept up up till the early hours of the morning because I couldn't put it down.
*spoilers*
I'll admit that by the half-way mark I had a feeling of dread that things weren't going to turn out well for the characters, and I hate that it's very true to life in that the bad guy didn't get his comeuppance, but... that's life.
All in all a fantastic read that kept up up till the early hours of the morning because I couldn't put it down.
February 8, 2019
A tale of a dark time in human history replete with moments of brilliant beauty and time capsule historical details. A tale of loss and grief that teaches poignant lessons about the value of human life and the primacy of goodness and beauty if they are encouraged and allowed to bloom. A beautiful read.
Read
May 27, 2018A cruel romance indeed. And as we all know, nothing is fair in love or war.
A fast paced, unputdownable engaging read from Osipova where she takes us into the troubled, and life of hardship of Serafima, a poor Russian girl, barely yet 18 years old. Serafima is caught in the midst of WWII and a sorrowful parting with her newly flourishing love with Victor who is heading off to the Russian front to join the war. Serafima vows to wait for him, both in virtue and in her heart. The author paints vivid imagery with poignant settings and well fleshed out complicated characters in a complicated time.
Already living in a tiny village in the forest, well outside of Moscow, Serafima knows poverty and hunger well, yet never complains. Living with her emotionless mother in a tiny hut, she learns that her hardships are about to get a lot worse after two German soldiers invade and take over her tiny home, complete with her and her mother as their private slaves, where Serafima endures the brunt of mental and physical abuse.
Throughout the passing years, Serafima never stops pining for her lost love Victor. And as the war comes to an end and the Germans move out, Serafima finds herself with child. We are now drawn into the raw emotion and struggle Serafima must deal with when her child is born and her disgust for his conception overshadows any joy she should have from giving birth and ultimately, distancing herself emotionally from her own child.
When a few more years pass, still with hope her Victor will return to marry her, she receives a rude awakening one day when he does return and he spots her child. A misunderstanding from unspoken words and a lifetime of holding back the truth changes the course of Serafima’s life dramatically. Instead Serafima continues to work and make the best life she can while dismissing her undying love for Victor and learning to live with a broken heart.
Victor too never stopped loving Serafima despite their lack of reconciliation, and demonstrates how unresolved love can grow into vengeance. Life is a circle, and secrets of the past have a way of working themselves back into one’s life just as they did for Serafima, when she was faced to make peace with her past. Can she ever find love again? Will she eventually reunite with Victor? You will have to read the book to find out.
This book had me turning pages at every opportunity I could pick up the book. I will say. the ending was quite surprising, The book was beautifully written and so engaging I can’t help but give it 5 stars!
A fast paced, unputdownable engaging read from Osipova where she takes us into the troubled, and life of hardship of Serafima, a poor Russian girl, barely yet 18 years old. Serafima is caught in the midst of WWII and a sorrowful parting with her newly flourishing love with Victor who is heading off to the Russian front to join the war. Serafima vows to wait for him, both in virtue and in her heart. The author paints vivid imagery with poignant settings and well fleshed out complicated characters in a complicated time.
Already living in a tiny village in the forest, well outside of Moscow, Serafima knows poverty and hunger well, yet never complains. Living with her emotionless mother in a tiny hut, she learns that her hardships are about to get a lot worse after two German soldiers invade and take over her tiny home, complete with her and her mother as their private slaves, where Serafima endures the brunt of mental and physical abuse.
Throughout the passing years, Serafima never stops pining for her lost love Victor. And as the war comes to an end and the Germans move out, Serafima finds herself with child. We are now drawn into the raw emotion and struggle Serafima must deal with when her child is born and her disgust for his conception overshadows any joy she should have from giving birth and ultimately, distancing herself emotionally from her own child.
When a few more years pass, still with hope her Victor will return to marry her, she receives a rude awakening one day when he does return and he spots her child. A misunderstanding from unspoken words and a lifetime of holding back the truth changes the course of Serafima’s life dramatically. Instead Serafima continues to work and make the best life she can while dismissing her undying love for Victor and learning to live with a broken heart.
Victor too never stopped loving Serafima despite their lack of reconciliation, and demonstrates how unresolved love can grow into vengeance. Life is a circle, and secrets of the past have a way of working themselves back into one’s life just as they did for Serafima, when she was faced to make peace with her past. Can she ever find love again? Will she eventually reunite with Victor? You will have to read the book to find out.
This book had me turning pages at every opportunity I could pick up the book. I will say. the ending was quite surprising, The book was beautifully written and so engaging I can’t help but give it 5 stars!
November 21, 2016
Serafima is a young girl full of hope for her future. Vitya, a Soviet officer, is her heart's desire and he is soon off to war. Not long after Vitya's departure, two German soldiers occupy Serafima's home where she and her mother are forced into servitude. Now living in their barn, with scarcely enough food to survive, they must cook, clean and wash for their captors.
Despite the atrocities endured by Serafima and her mother, there are moments when the women experience an occasional kindness proferred by the younger of the two soldiers.
In this heart-rending novel readers experience life through the eyes of a young girl whose fierce determination helps bring her through the darkest of hours. A revealing glimpse into a way of life, and a culture predicated upon spirituality, moral convictions and above all, pride, The Cruel Romance is a work of historical fiction which will resonate with readers long after the last page is turned.
Despite the atrocities endured by Serafima and her mother, there are moments when the women experience an occasional kindness proferred by the younger of the two soldiers.
In this heart-rending novel readers experience life through the eyes of a young girl whose fierce determination helps bring her through the darkest of hours. A revealing glimpse into a way of life, and a culture predicated upon spirituality, moral convictions and above all, pride, The Cruel Romance is a work of historical fiction which will resonate with readers long after the last page is turned.
October 23, 2018
The Cruel Romance
This is a wonderful book! The author created a mesmerizing tapestry of visual, tactile, emotional, beautiful, and terrifying images of Russia during WWII. The life and times of Serafima, a young Russian woman are heartrending, tragic, and utterly believable.
The reader will become completely immersed in her world. You will remember this book long after you finish reading it.
This is a wonderful book! The author created a mesmerizing tapestry of visual, tactile, emotional, beautiful, and terrifying images of Russia during WWII. The life and times of Serafima, a young Russian woman are heartrending, tragic, and utterly believable.
The reader will become completely immersed in her world. You will remember this book long after you finish reading it.
August 7, 2018
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"The story and the way it is told has an authentic historical feeling and characters and plot are well thought out."
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"The story and the way it is told has an authentic historical feeling and characters and plot are well thought out."
December 2, 2018
beautifully written and expertly told. This is at times heartbreaking and an unconventional love story. Ossipova's vivid descriptions thrust you right into the war its hardships and the lives torn apart by circumstances beyond the characters control. A delightful read from start to finish.
January 8, 2019
January 5, 2019
REVIEW OF “A CRUEL ROMANCE”
The author of this work of historical fiction Marina Osipova has by a stroke of extreme irony written its own review condensed into 3 words, “a cruel romance”.
It is indeed a story of love, tragedy, malice, and severe cruelty, but with a very belated and unexpected redemption. The story is set in the mire of the conflict between Germany and Russia in the second world war.
Serafima is a young attractive seventeen-year-old Russian and illegitimate daughter of a mother, Glafira, who shows her no affection or love.
Victor Kholodov or Vitya as he is called, a Patriot and solid Communist has assumed he would be Serafima’s husband upon his return from the war. Before leaving for duty at the front, his amorous and hormone-driven attempt to make love to Serafima is rebuffed. Vitya’s unhappiness at being rejected is further exacerbated by Serafima pressing a copper cross with a string over his head, to protect him from harm as he goes to war.
Serafima’s village is later overrun by the Wehrmacht and she and her mother are forced to remove their meager belongings to a dugout in the yard, while their house is occupied by a viciously cruel Major Schuette and his more polite aide, Lt Werter Lindberg. The women are forced to conduct housekeeping duties for their occupiers, and with the major constantly shouting and threatening them. The lieutenant meanwhile has surreptitiously shown elements of sympathy for Serafima’s position with small gestures of kindness. She has also heard his harmonica playing soulful tunes at night and wonders about his long delicate hands that seem to be too cultured for the brutalities of war.
An incident occurs when Serafima, in a confrontation with the major, is hit across the head with his pistol and is knocked unconscious. Upon awakening, she finds herself bleeding, her clothes in disarray and realizing she has been raped. The Germans are routed and leave the village but not before burning down all the houses.
As Serafima goes to her work as a machinist her obvious pregnancy becomes the topic of accusatory conversation among her fellow workers. Is it Vitya’s baby or someone else that this slut has slept with? Serafima meanwhile is tortured with the horror of having been raped by a German but knowing she could never explain her predicament to anyone. No one would believe her story but only that she had slept with a German, the worst possible crime!
Vitya returns at the end of the war, his character shaped by his ambition to become a senior NKVD officer and his experience as a cruel interrogator during the conflict with Germany. When Serafima explains her position again without explaining who the father is, he is enraged and threatens her with consequences if he finds out who it is.
Her child Vanechka meanwhile proves at a very young age to be a musical prodigy and begins piano lessons and subsequently violin. Serafima while taking college classes to become an engineer falls in love with her professor Yakov.
It is not the purpose of this review to reveal all of the secrets of the plot but suffice to say that Vitya in his position as an up and coming NKVD officer, and using the then Soviet’s system of terror of Stalin’s policies was able to have Serafima, Yakov and one other of the story’s protagonists falsely jailed for a number of years.
I will also not reveal the belated redemption for poor Serafima that enabled her to claim a small element of happiness at the end of this tragic saga. We should remember that throughout the history of man’s inhumanity to man, there are always shards of light shining on truth and virtue.
It is not hard to see why this book has received the awards it has gained. It is gripping and written with descriptive prose that will play on the emotions of any empathetic reader. This book should be part of anyone’s WWII library.
REVIEW OF “A CRUEL ROMANCE”
The author of this work of historical fiction Marina Osipova has by a stroke of extreme irony written its own review condensed into 3 words, “a cruel romance”.
It is indeed a story of love, tragedy, malice, and severe cruelty, but with a very belated and unexpected redemption. The story is set in the mire of the conflict between Germany and Russia in the second world war.
Serafima is a young attractive seventeen-year-old Russian and illegitimate daughter of a mother, Glafira, who shows her no affection or love.
Victor Kholodov or Vitya as he is called, a Patriot and solid Communist has assumed he would be Serafima’s husband upon his return from the war. Before leaving for duty at the front, his amorous and hormone-driven attempt to make love to Serafima is rebuffed. Vitya’s unhappiness at being rejected is further exacerbated by Serafima pressing a copper cross with a string over his head, to protect him from harm as he goes to war.
Serafima’s village is later overrun by the Wehrmacht and she and her mother are forced to remove their meager belongings to a dugout in the yard, while their house is occupied by a viciously cruel Major Schuette and his more polite aide, Lt Werter Lindberg. The women are forced to conduct housekeeping duties for their occupiers, and with the major constantly shouting and threatening them. The lieutenant meanwhile has surreptitiously shown elements of sympathy for Serafima’s position with small gestures of kindness. She has also heard his harmonica playing soulful tunes at night and wonders about his long delicate hands that seem to be too cultured for the brutalities of war.
An incident occurs when Serafima, in a confrontation with the major, is hit across the head with his pistol and is knocked unconscious. Upon awakening, she finds herself bleeding, her clothes in disarray and realizing she has been raped. The Germans are routed and leave the village but not before burning down all the houses.
As Serafima goes to her work as a machinist her obvious pregnancy becomes the topic of accusatory conversation among her fellow workers. Is it Vitya’s baby or someone else that this slut has slept with? Serafima meanwhile is tortured with the horror of having been raped by a German but knowing she could never explain her predicament to anyone. No one would believe her story but only that she had slept with a German, the worst possible crime!
Vitya returns at the end of the war, his character shaped by his ambition to become a senior NKVD officer and his experience as a cruel interrogator during the conflict with Germany. When Serafima explains her position again without explaining who the father is, he is enraged and threatens her with consequences if he finds out who it is.
Her child Vanechka meanwhile proves at a very young age to be a musical prodigy and begins piano lessons and subsequently violin. Serafima while taking college classes to become an engineer falls in love with her professor Yakov.
It is not the purpose of this review to reveal all of the secrets of the plot but suffice to say that Vitya in his position as an up and coming NKVD officer, and using the then Soviet’s system of terror of Stalin’s policies was able to have Serafima, Yakov and one other of the story’s protagonists falsely jailed for a number of years.
I will also not reveal the belated redemption for poor Serafima that enabled her to claim a small element of happiness at the end of this tragic saga. We should remember that throughout the history of man’s inhumanity to man, there are always shards of light shining on truth and virtue.
It is not hard to see why this book has received the awards it has gained. It is gripping and written with descriptive prose that will play on the emotions of any empathetic reader. This book should be part of anyone’s WWII library.
December 29, 2017
Author Marina Osipova weaves a compelling historical fiction, with fascinating twists and turns that will easily captivate the reader’s attention from the beginning. The author paints a heart-rending and passionate story of war and peace in a very vivid and convincing way. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction. It’s a relatively fast-paced novel that will keep you engaged from the first page to the last.
The book description gives a sneak preview; ‘October 1941. A small village outside Moscow. Serafima bids farewell to Vitya, a Soviet officer going to the front. With only moments left together, she places a cross around her beloved’s neck and reluctantly releases him into a cruel world where nothing is certain, especially whether she will ever see him again.
Days later Germans invade her village and take over her tiny house. Serafima and her mother must comply with orders, endure abuse, and stay put or their village will be annihilated.
As World War II intertwines Serafima’s and Vitya’s life with that of a young German violinist and a Russian intellectual, their destinies are irrevocably altered. Can they rise to the challenge of agonizing moral choices and learn to forgive and love again?’
Now, if that’s not enough to whet your appetite, I don’t know what will. But if you want to find out what happens, you’ll just have to turn the pages for yourself! However, I will say it was well worth the read. It’s my first time reading this author and I must say I was very impressed.
Captivating and commendable, this work had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. There are plenty of attention-grabbing moments in this page turner that will take the reader on a truly mesmerizing journey!
It’s one of those books that come along occasionally that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader.
If this book is anything to go by, I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from Marina Osipova in the future. I would definitely recommend this book and would love to see it adapted for the Silver Screen. I honestly think this would make a great movie. Five stars from me.
The book description gives a sneak preview; ‘October 1941. A small village outside Moscow. Serafima bids farewell to Vitya, a Soviet officer going to the front. With only moments left together, she places a cross around her beloved’s neck and reluctantly releases him into a cruel world where nothing is certain, especially whether she will ever see him again.
Days later Germans invade her village and take over her tiny house. Serafima and her mother must comply with orders, endure abuse, and stay put or their village will be annihilated.
As World War II intertwines Serafima’s and Vitya’s life with that of a young German violinist and a Russian intellectual, their destinies are irrevocably altered. Can they rise to the challenge of agonizing moral choices and learn to forgive and love again?’
Now, if that’s not enough to whet your appetite, I don’t know what will. But if you want to find out what happens, you’ll just have to turn the pages for yourself! However, I will say it was well worth the read. It’s my first time reading this author and I must say I was very impressed.
Captivating and commendable, this work had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. There are plenty of attention-grabbing moments in this page turner that will take the reader on a truly mesmerizing journey!
It’s one of those books that come along occasionally that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader.
If this book is anything to go by, I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from Marina Osipova in the future. I would definitely recommend this book and would love to see it adapted for the Silver Screen. I honestly think this would make a great movie. Five stars from me.
December 31, 2023
Marina Osipova writes brilliantly and without shirking the peculiar cruelties of war. The protagonist in The Cruel Romance is Serafima, a young woman who pays an unjust price for living in the harsh world of war-torn Russia during WWII. We follow her difficult journey as she is subjected to indignity after indignity when Germans occupy her small village. Starvation, an extremely harsh winter climate, and physical peril are constant threats.
Caught in the peculiar trap of loving a strapping young soldier who is sent off to war, her future is uncertain and her living conditions untenable. Still, Serafima prevails despite the many obstacles in her way. The Russian peasant faces poverty, made more extreme by the bleak realities of war, with heroic determination to provide for herself and her son. Osipova has created a story with many unsuspecting plot twists and as I finished the novel, I remained uncertain if it wasn’t a true story, it was so convincingly told.
I give this unusual story five stars because of its extraordinary plot, the author’s commitment to showing us the natural, sometimes serene, sometimes harsh and punishing Russian countryside in contrast to the depravations of the war, and also for the ability shown in the characters to accept their destiny and prevail despite horrific circumstances. The novel brought to life the incendiary details of a people caught in a conflict, not of their making and how they survived despite the harsh and volatile environment war creates. Women as a whole, are more vulnerable in times of warfare. The author uniquely portrays this by inviting us into Serafima’s thoughts and sometimes surprising actions as she navigates her harsh and unfair circumstances.
Even if you are an avid reader of historical war novels, you will be intrigued by Osipova’s unique portrayal of her characters. I highly recommend this read.
Caught in the peculiar trap of loving a strapping young soldier who is sent off to war, her future is uncertain and her living conditions untenable. Still, Serafima prevails despite the many obstacles in her way. The Russian peasant faces poverty, made more extreme by the bleak realities of war, with heroic determination to provide for herself and her son. Osipova has created a story with many unsuspecting plot twists and as I finished the novel, I remained uncertain if it wasn’t a true story, it was so convincingly told.
I give this unusual story five stars because of its extraordinary plot, the author’s commitment to showing us the natural, sometimes serene, sometimes harsh and punishing Russian countryside in contrast to the depravations of the war, and also for the ability shown in the characters to accept their destiny and prevail despite horrific circumstances. The novel brought to life the incendiary details of a people caught in a conflict, not of their making and how they survived despite the harsh and volatile environment war creates. Women as a whole, are more vulnerable in times of warfare. The author uniquely portrays this by inviting us into Serafima’s thoughts and sometimes surprising actions as she navigates her harsh and unfair circumstances.
Even if you are an avid reader of historical war novels, you will be intrigued by Osipova’s unique portrayal of her characters. I highly recommend this read.
September 18, 2019
Oh how I love this book....♥️
A book of so much pain and sorrow.
Yet a book where simple joys are appreciated.
Simple joys are hard to find....
A young love destroyed by war.
A tragic assault results in the greatest joy!
Cruel, savage hearts.
Kind, merciful, hearts.
New love.
Those who could not, would not acknowledge their crimes against others and only exalted themselves instead of becoming humble.
Those who sought to repair the damage they caused, at any cost.
Life is hard, people are hard in order to survive daily living. So much hatred, bitterness, and callousness, that even people in the same “boat” cannot be kind to their fellow man or woman. Agony and starvation in every village, every city. A true friend is hard to find.
I cannot share much more without giving away the story.
It’s a wonderful story that captures the war years in Russia and in Germany. The characters are captivating and each one interesting in their way. The author painted each one beautifully from the smallest to the greatest. She also describes the countries, the forests, all the surrounding environments in a wonderful way that makes you feel you’re right in the story. It moves quickly, there’s never a bog down. It’s beautifully told. It would make a great movie!! I cried, I smiled, I laughed, I loved and I hated a few characters too.
You’ll love this book if you enjoy this time period and love stories.
pamarella
PRCS
A book of so much pain and sorrow.
Yet a book where simple joys are appreciated.
Simple joys are hard to find....
A young love destroyed by war.
A tragic assault results in the greatest joy!
Cruel, savage hearts.
Kind, merciful, hearts.
New love.
Those who could not, would not acknowledge their crimes against others and only exalted themselves instead of becoming humble.
Those who sought to repair the damage they caused, at any cost.
Life is hard, people are hard in order to survive daily living. So much hatred, bitterness, and callousness, that even people in the same “boat” cannot be kind to their fellow man or woman. Agony and starvation in every village, every city. A true friend is hard to find.
I cannot share much more without giving away the story.
It’s a wonderful story that captures the war years in Russia and in Germany. The characters are captivating and each one interesting in their way. The author painted each one beautifully from the smallest to the greatest. She also describes the countries, the forests, all the surrounding environments in a wonderful way that makes you feel you’re right in the story. It moves quickly, there’s never a bog down. It’s beautifully told. It would make a great movie!! I cried, I smiled, I laughed, I loved and I hated a few characters too.
You’ll love this book if you enjoy this time period and love stories.
pamarella
PRCS
April 11, 2025
This is a book that will stay with me forever – and I mean that in a good way.
The story of young Russian Serafima, whose small home is commandeered by two Germans during WWII, was both raw and beautiful. The beauty mainly comes from the incredible writing. Osopova’s observations are uniquely expressed and yet so familiar when you read them. There were so many examples, I stopped highlighting them. The German Prisoners of war are described as ‘unshaven and emaciated, with the gaping eyes of wretched dogs’ When Yakov smiles at her ‘it was as though all the windows in a dark house had suddenly opened’. Even small observations such as ‘In a burning disgust, she watched his ears rising and falling as he ate’ paint a vivid picture of even the most ordinary situations.
I’ll avoid spoilers, but Serafima’s journey is one crossed by tragedy, brutality and love. The situation in Russia both during the war and after it describes a time of great uncertainty and fear and this is captured in a way that doesn’t sensationalise it, but brings home what it must have been like for those living through it.
I am looking forward to reading more books by this accomplished author.
The story of young Russian Serafima, whose small home is commandeered by two Germans during WWII, was both raw and beautiful. The beauty mainly comes from the incredible writing. Osopova’s observations are uniquely expressed and yet so familiar when you read them. There were so many examples, I stopped highlighting them. The German Prisoners of war are described as ‘unshaven and emaciated, with the gaping eyes of wretched dogs’ When Yakov smiles at her ‘it was as though all the windows in a dark house had suddenly opened’. Even small observations such as ‘In a burning disgust, she watched his ears rising and falling as he ate’ paint a vivid picture of even the most ordinary situations.
I’ll avoid spoilers, but Serafima’s journey is one crossed by tragedy, brutality and love. The situation in Russia both during the war and after it describes a time of great uncertainty and fear and this is captured in a way that doesn’t sensationalise it, but brings home what it must have been like for those living through it.
I am looking forward to reading more books by this accomplished author.
June 22, 2019
Depressing story
I have to wonder at the title here "The Cruel Romance" as I only see any true romance depicted near the last portion of this book.
The desolate, hard life of Sarafima, a young Russian girl during WWII is particularly described after her village is taken over and enslaved by the German military. Her and her mother's home is confiscated by a cruel Nazi major and his military aide while the woman are forced to move into their barn and serve their captors. This is hard to stomach as their treatment is harsh. From this beginning Sarafima's life changes immeasurably and she is from thence on forced to endure the impact of that situation.
The story is supposed to be emotional yet the writing fails to convey anything but surface emotions. Given the subject matter, the dead- ness of the writing style and convoluted sentence structure (probably a translation issue) as well as the suppression of the characters true thoughts and feelings made it difficult to feel the gravity of the story as a whole.
I have to wonder at the title here "The Cruel Romance" as I only see any true romance depicted near the last portion of this book.
The desolate, hard life of Sarafima, a young Russian girl during WWII is particularly described after her village is taken over and enslaved by the German military. Her and her mother's home is confiscated by a cruel Nazi major and his military aide while the woman are forced to move into their barn and serve their captors. This is hard to stomach as their treatment is harsh. From this beginning Sarafima's life changes immeasurably and she is from thence on forced to endure the impact of that situation.
The story is supposed to be emotional yet the writing fails to convey anything but surface emotions. Given the subject matter, the dead- ness of the writing style and convoluted sentence structure (probably a translation issue) as well as the suppression of the characters true thoughts and feelings made it difficult to feel the gravity of the story as a whole.
August 12, 2020
Cruelty of War
War is cruel. So many women suffered abuse from the occupying armies. Many of them were forced to comply, yet were persecuted by their towns people anyway.
Many in all countries following the war were accused of being spies for the other side. These unfortunate souls were sent to labor camps and concentration camps where many perished.
The story of Serafima , a Russian girl raped by a German soldier, giving birth to a child and then being persecuted by her friends and neighbors for being an unwed mother. It was even more heartbreaking when her boyfriend Victor returned from battle and rejected her.
How she raises the child and Victors revenge is carried out is very sad. The story does end well.
I loved the characters, especially Serafina and her mother. They showed so much love and courage in a troubled time.
What a wonderful story of a terrible time. It is well written, and captures attention from page one. I would recommend this book.
War is cruel. So many women suffered abuse from the occupying armies. Many of them were forced to comply, yet were persecuted by their towns people anyway.
Many in all countries following the war were accused of being spies for the other side. These unfortunate souls were sent to labor camps and concentration camps where many perished.
The story of Serafima , a Russian girl raped by a German soldier, giving birth to a child and then being persecuted by her friends and neighbors for being an unwed mother. It was even more heartbreaking when her boyfriend Victor returned from battle and rejected her.
How she raises the child and Victors revenge is carried out is very sad. The story does end well.
I loved the characters, especially Serafina and her mother. They showed so much love and courage in a troubled time.
What a wonderful story of a terrible time. It is well written, and captures attention from page one. I would recommend this book.
March 26, 2019
Wow, so good.
This is one of those books that will make you feel every emotion. I found it very well written and easy to relate to the characters, to feel what they feel. What Serafima goes through is absolutely horrible. Even though I know those sorts of things (and far worse) happened during this turbulent time in history, it didn’t lessen the empathy I felt when reading about it. I was rooting for Serafima each step of the way and hoping she would eventually find some happiness. I won’t spoil anything, but the ending was satisfying for me. Such a gripping and poignant work, I can definitely see why this book won awards. A must-read for lovers of historical fiction.
This is one of those books that will make you feel every emotion. I found it very well written and easy to relate to the characters, to feel what they feel. What Serafima goes through is absolutely horrible. Even though I know those sorts of things (and far worse) happened during this turbulent time in history, it didn’t lessen the empathy I felt when reading about it. I was rooting for Serafima each step of the way and hoping she would eventually find some happiness. I won’t spoil anything, but the ending was satisfying for me. Such a gripping and poignant work, I can definitely see why this book won awards. A must-read for lovers of historical fiction.
April 15, 2019
Fantastic!
I took my time with this one because it became clear to me early on that this the kind of book you can't really read in one sitting. This story follows a young Russian girl and her mother during WW2 and the hardships that she dealt with during that time. This author has a gift for bringing such details into her story which really open up the image playing in your mind, providing a much more realistic feel and effect. I love reading stories set in different time periods and this author truly did this time in our history justice. I look forward to reading more from this very talented author.
I took my time with this one because it became clear to me early on that this the kind of book you can't really read in one sitting. This story follows a young Russian girl and her mother during WW2 and the hardships that she dealt with during that time. This author has a gift for bringing such details into her story which really open up the image playing in your mind, providing a much more realistic feel and effect. I love reading stories set in different time periods and this author truly did this time in our history justice. I look forward to reading more from this very talented author.
March 13, 2022
Heart-wrenching.
A heart-wrenching story beginning with the German invasion of Russia in 1941, and through to post WW2. Teenage Serafima is madly in love with Vitya, a Soviet officer; however, shortly after he departs for the war front, Serafima's life changes forever.
This book is brilliantly written and researched, and although quite disturbing at times, I found it hard to put down.
My first read from Marina Osipova, but definitely not my last.
Very highly recommended.
A heart-wrenching story beginning with the German invasion of Russia in 1941, and through to post WW2. Teenage Serafima is madly in love with Vitya, a Soviet officer; however, shortly after he departs for the war front, Serafima's life changes forever.
This book is brilliantly written and researched, and although quite disturbing at times, I found it hard to put down.
My first read from Marina Osipova, but definitely not my last.
Very highly recommended.
January 16, 2019
Warning - scenes of rape resulting in pregnancy.
I've become a fan of historical romance and this fits right in that category - although it had a different ending than I expected. The twist was a nice surprise. I have a ball of emotions rolling around inside still - I feel so much for Serafima. What she goes through is in tense and painful. Any author to move me like that has incredible writing skills!
I've become a fan of historical romance and this fits right in that category - although it had a different ending than I expected. The twist was a nice surprise. I have a ball of emotions rolling around inside still - I feel so much for Serafima. What she goes through is in tense and painful. Any author to move me like that has incredible writing skills!
November 13, 2022
I won’t give away the plot, but let me say that from the very first page, the reader is drawn in by the mesmerizing use of language. The plot takes place not in some faraway Russian land, but right in the reader’s backyard. Ms. Osipova gives intense life to the characters. The Nazi soldier-violinist, Russian intellectual, Serafima, and her original lover, Victor, all battle with wartime in this story that will continue to haunt the reader after finishing the last page.
November 13, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars A Romance Struggle
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book, extremely well-written, will haunt me for a long time. As a teacher of the Holocaust, this is a rare find--that of what's happening between Russians and Germans during WWII on a very personal level. My German grandparents left Kutter, Russia, to come to the USA just before WW I. Reading this was emotional as well as highly introspective and educational. Highly recommend!
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book, extremely well-written, will haunt me for a long time. As a teacher of the Holocaust, this is a rare find--that of what's happening between Russians and Germans during WWII on a very personal level. My German grandparents left Kutter, Russia, to come to the USA just before WW I. Reading this was emotional as well as highly introspective and educational. Highly recommend!
September 2, 2019
So many broken hearts during war...
The story of the German and Russian people during war is painfully true. The poverty and hunger was so bad it took extremely strong willed people to survive. Not only were the conditions horrible the people were abused and used suffering from the enemy.
The story of the German and Russian people during war is painfully true. The poverty and hunger was so bad it took extremely strong willed people to survive. Not only were the conditions horrible the people were abused and used suffering from the enemy.
January 25, 2020
An amazing story!
The harshness of the Russian winter and life in such a cruel place is portrayed with such emotional realism that I wanted to help everyone escape from such a cruel place. The coincidences seemed impossible but they were planned. The author had me mistrusting Victor from the start. What a story!
The harshness of the Russian winter and life in such a cruel place is portrayed with such emotional realism that I wanted to help everyone escape from such a cruel place. The coincidences seemed impossible but they were planned. The author had me mistrusting Victor from the start. What a story!
May 17, 2019
Marina is a rare type of writer. This book is raw and basic. It takes you to this village in Russia, where you become part of Serafima. This young girl and her life is a very long and difficult road into happiness. No spoilers, but, I totally cried at the end!!!!
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