Good books tell good stories. Great books tell good stories well. The Line by Olga Grushin is a great book. Grushin’s story is simple in summary, but richly complex in execution.
Set in Soviet Russia, a rumor begins to circulate that a famous exiled composer is returning to Moscow to conduct his last symphony. Tickets will be limited, and the line before the concert’s kiosk grows along with peoples’ anticipation. As time passes and seasons change, however, the kiosk remains closed and the line’s individuals begin forming unlikely friendships, recalling buried memories, and encountering unexpected experiences that teach them more about life, its frustrating appearance of futility, and its true beauty.
Though the premise of The Line is simple and its start is a bit slow, Grushin weaves a beautiful and enchanting tale. Her language is rich, her characters are startlingly human and recognizable, and the story slowly yet steadily grows into one that reveals the lushness of everyday life.
Available on April 6, 2010, Grushin’s book is definitely one to look forward to.
————————————————————————————–
For more information about this book, please visit the Penguin Canada website.
If you’re interested in purchasing a copy of this novel, please e-mail [email protected] .
A copy of this review may also be found on LiveInLimbo.com.
An advanced Reading Copy of this book was received from:
& 