Dark Eyes by Nina RomanoMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Nina Romano, author of The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley and many other historical novels, combines her love of travel, history, and storytelling to create an exciting thriller set in Leningrad during the 1950s.
Anya, an unwed mother and former ballerina, crosses paths with Andrei, a police photography with ambitions that bring him into treacherous company. Two murders draw the two characters together while also drawing them into the corruption and betrayal of Russian bureaucracy. In their lives, danger unfairly targets those who hold less power than others.
While keeping an emphasis on the romance, mystery, and action, Romano also captures the gritty life of Russia’s everyday people during a turbulent era. Anyone who offers hope also faces threats or maybe poses a threat. It seems hard for Anya to trust anyone, understandably.
The narrative allows readers to see everything through Anya’s perspective. Though she seems judgmental or harsh at times, we learn about the events and people who hardened her. Still, we see her love and devotion for her daughter. Will she also dare to love the possibly duplicitous Andrei? Read this intriguing and sometimes disturbing novel to find out.
In addition to her research and interviews, Romano even traveled to Russia. Romano’s richly descriptive narrative benefits from her devotion to craft and will leave readers happy they read about Anya’s struggles.
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