As We Usher in Fall, Please Welcome Daphne Kalotay's Russian Winter

One of the best things about working in publishing is the people with whom I get to work. I never really understood the importance of working alongside people who also enjoy art and literature. I remember my father bemoaning the lack of this dialogue in his career selling computer hardware while I was growing up, but I didn't really understand it until I entered the work world myself. It was then that I realized that your work family is hugely important - that you'll spend more hours with them than with your own family. And I realized, that if if I couldn't talk about tv, theater, movies and books with the people I worked with, than my day-to-day life would indeed be pretty dull. So I feel very lucky to work where I do and with my interesting, curious and cultured colleagues. This is all a bit of a digression to introduce my colleague Nicole Reardon, who works in the Harper hardcover imprint and who is very passionate about the release of Daphne Kalotay's new novel, Russian Winter, which is on sale today. I remember Nicole telling me about how much she loved this novel this past winter and then I was able to meet Daphne briefly at this summer's ALA. Read on to hear about Nicole's experience falling into Russian Winter.

When I was a little girl, books became my world.  I remember reading novels and thrillers, carrying them wherever I went, reading as I walked.  I wouldn’t put the books down for anything -- so I proceeded with my daily routine while reading.  I would read while I ate my meals, read while I did my chores, read while my friends gossiped.  I became so engrossed in the lives of the characters, that I didn’t want to leave. 
 
Over the years, I stopped this obsessive reading.  That is, until I read Daphne Kalotay’s Russian Winter.  I’m a newlywed, and spent my first “married” New Year’s Eve reading the manuscript.  I kept telling my husband that I’d be ready to bust out the champagne to celebrate “as soon as I’m finished this chapter.”  I think I said that ten times that night.  My advice to you: squirrel away some time to immerse yourself in Russian Winter, because you won’t be able to put it down once you start! 
 
In this breathtaking tale of love and art, betrayal and redemption, a mysterious jewel holds the key to a life-changing secret,
 
Artfully interweaving past and present, Stalinist Russia and modern day New England, the behind-the-scenes tumult of theatre life and the transformative power of art, Daphne Kalotay’s luminous debut novel, an ingeniously plotted page turner of the highest literary order, captures the joy, uncertainty, and terror of lives powerless to withstand the forces of history, while affirming that even in the presence of evil, suspicion, and fear the human spirit reaches for transcendence and love.
 
Browse inside Russian Winter, check out the discussion guide and look for Daphne Kalotay on tour near you.  Be sure to read Bookin' with Bingo's interview with Daphne on Monday and you can also catch Daphne on the next stop in her blog tour at Booking Mama on Thursday.

Comments

[Martha D]

I've been looking forward to reading this book and after you're review even more so. I hope you can get her on Book Club Girl on the Air.

[Michelle-RedHeadedBookChild]

This sounds amazing, especially for the upcoming fall season of chilly weather!

[Crissy]

I always get more reading done in the fall and winter months than during our busy summers. This looks just right to get a jump start on the season.

[Julie P.]

Just finished this one and loved it... I mean really really loved it!

[Sarah]

I am very intrigued by this novel. I've added it to my list to read this fall. Thanks!

[Beth F]

Had to wait until my own review was written before reading this post. I too loved this novel. And you really can't put it down. I had to download the audio so I could continue to read while doing dishes and taking my walk -- I rarely get that hooked.

[Susan]

I have been anticipating the release of Russian Winter. I was at the book store today. I was like a kid in the book store. Saw Winter Queen but decided to wait. But now, it is now making me after reading your post to quickly go back and pick up the novel.

[Susan]

This is a addendum and broke down and bought it. I love the cover, that is great advertising. But I also sampled some of the writers articles. Can't wait to read just in time for fall reading. Sorry all of you summer people that can't let go of the warm weather.

[nicole langan]

Must read,thanks! for sharing.

[Dawn - She Is Too Fond of Books]

Such a great book! Kalotay takes that 'inside communist Russia' experience and puts names and faces on it - wow!

LOL about Nicole reading on New Year's Eve instead of celebrating with her new husband (I hope he's a reader, too!)