Interesting book to learn about Ukrainian traditions and the Russian involvement in WWII. Great discussions in our book club about family traditions, sharing the past/heritage with families and the strength of women.

This book was powerful, well written in a visual manner. The story seems very real and relatable. It evokes a variety of feeling along the entire spectrum. It reviews the depth of family relationships over many years. Very enjoyable.

Lupescu honors Nadya\\\'s experiences by writing with elements of spirituality and traditional beliefs. Even the descriptions of war, the camps, and personal pain are written to make readers want to alleviate the grief instead of burdening readers with the same feeling.
I appreciated the reminder in the book that other people\\\'s lives may be worse than ours. Lupescu emphasized (gently) that family, respect, love, and traditions all have a place in our lives; there are reasons to remember, but even more reasons to forgive and make the world better.

Lovely prose delving into culture, folklore, history, family, and life. Interesting, informative, thoroughly researched, and well thought out.