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Pales in comparison to The Museum of Abandoned Secrets. Not sure if I should be glad I read that first or not...

The Russians had conquered half of Europe, but their babies died just like everyone else's.

She must have had a great power of love inside her, and another, just as great, the power of hate in order not to be broken.

Footnote 9:
The Colorado potato beetle is native to the American West and was introduced to Europe at the American bases in France during World War I. During the Cold War, the Soviet government said the beetle was a biological eeapubroight in by the Americans to destroy Communist potatoes.

Their own state! That's what one always heard when bigger powers were about to tear Ukraine into bloody shreds.

Just can't do it

Apprehensive about starting this one since my friends' reviews have been so mixed.

Major "first year at Wellesley from an Ohio public high school" vibes here:
"EJ knew she was solidly middle class, and she liked to think she was pretty sophisticated: she played piano, spoke French, and even embroidered a little—like accomplished ladies in old novels. But every so often someone or something at Longbourn would make her feel like the poor country cousin."

The best of the published-in-Georgia Georgian literature that I've read. I don't read many plays, but I thought this was quite good!

Very Julia Quinn humor, but much more concentrated than in the novels. Ridiculous and entertaining

Beginning of Chapter 4

How fortuitous. I'm starting to read on Gogol's birthday

Great world-building, but I'm halfway through the book and it still all feels like an introduction. Due at the library soon, so making a note of where I stopped. I'm not compelled to buy a copy, but would finish if I stumble upon one for free.

Started reading the copy I got out of the library since it can't be renewed, then noticed while marking it on GoodReads that I have it on Kindle. Will switch library priorities! At least my taste is consistent, and it's off to a good start.

"Good health is a rare gift at the age of thirty-two."
LOL

Understanding, in fact, is my job, that's what writers are for--to try to understand everyone and everything and put this understanding into words, finished to the gossamer fineness of a rose petal, words made supple and obedient, words cut to hold the reader's mind like a well-made glove that fits like second skin.

“And I’m not sure that I actually love people—not friends, or family, but people.”

“Shit, brain’s stuffed so full of rubbish she can’t dig up what she’s really thinking from under all that.”

Yup.

“the Ukraine” ugh
And was Kharkov(-iv) ever the capital?