Introduction

American journalist Milly Bennett has covered murders in San Francisco, fires in Hawaii, and a civil war in China, but 1930s Moscow presents her greatest challenge yet. When her young Russian husband is suddenly arrested by the secret police, Milly tries to get him released. But his arrest reveals both painful secrets about her marriage and hard truths about the Soviet state she has been working to serve. Disillusioned, and pulled toward the front lines of a captivating new conflict, Milly must find a way to do the right thing for her husband, her conscience, and her heart.

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Excerpt

Chapter 1

February 27, 1934


Crammed into the back seat with two other reporters, Milly wished the chauffeur would drive faster.
Instead, the automobile slowed as it turned onto Pushechnaya Street. Outside, only a few lights blurred past, their glow amplified by the white snow piled high on the sidewalks. Inside the chauffeured Ford, the raucous voices seemed to get louder. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

1. What prompted Milly to move to Moscow? What was she looking to find—or escape?
2. Have you ever made a sudden move like that? Either geographically or professionally or romantically. If so, why?
3. What did Milly find when she arrived in Moscow? How did she feel about her new home?
4. What was her relationship with Zhenya like? What did she find appealing about him?
5. What do you think Zhenya found appealing in Milly? Why did he want to marry her?
6. What did Zhenya’s arrest do to Milly’s understanding of both the country she lived in and her marriage?
7. What happened when Milly went to visit Zhenya in the labor camp? How did that affect her?
8. Why did Milly get involved with Lindesay? What did the relationship do to her?
9. Have you ever had a relationship you knew you shouldn’t have? What drew you into it anyway?
10. How did Milly feel about her friends, especially Seema and Marion? What role did they serve in her life?
11. Why did Milly decide to go to Spain?
12. What did she learn in Spain? Why do you think she learned that lesson or lessons there?
13. Optimism and hope play important roles in Milly’s life, but they conflict sometimes with her journalistic observations and skepticism. Why was hope so important to her? Why did she stay in the Soviet Union for so long? Have you ever been in a similar situation?

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