3/5 STARS: Impressive character development in this drama filled with poetic description and few happy moments. It becomes more interesting 1/3 the way through when, like a nesting doll, the story within the story truly begins. I found the Russian “Fairy Tale” interesting, to say the least. I love the color symbolism throughout the novel and the many parallels. I’ve read war literature in the past, but nothing from a perspective such as this. I thank Kristin for writing it.