"Rage was different than sorrow. Sorrow incapacitated. But the rage she now felt gave her purpose and a strange sense of satisfaction. She was alive and they were dead. To live would be her revenge."
What a story.
I originally picked this book up because the cover, title, and synopsis intrigued me. It wasn’t until I was already a good ~20% in that I realized it was actually book two of a trilogy. So, naturally, I paused, went back, and read book one first (➡️ swipe to see the cover).
Lost Souls of Leningrad (book one) centers on the siege of Leningrad during World War II, told through the eyes of a teenager, Lena, and her grandmother, Sofya. The Communist’s Secret (book two) unfolds at roughly the same time, but follows Katya—Lena’s mother and devoted Communist—as she survives a German assault on the Luga line and becomes involved with the partisans afterward.
Both books are incredibly impactful and raw. The author does a remarkable job balancing intimate, individual stories with the broader historical reality. Here, I especially appreciated Katya’s arc. Her growth—as a person, a mother, and a wife—felt messy, honest, and earned. It’s hard to change your worldview when it’s been the backbone of your whole life, even when that change is for the better, and I found myself genuinely proud of her transformation.
I’m looking forward to the final installment and highly recommend this trilogy to fans of Kate Quinn, Mark Sullivan, or anyone looking for a fresh perspective on World War II!
Thanks to Get Red PR for the gifted copy for review.
#TheCommunistsSecret #TheLeningradTrilogy #historicalfiction #WWIIfiction #siegeofleningrad
Reading 'Lost Souls of Leningrad' was a truly visceral experience for me. When I initially picked up 'The Communist's Secret,' I quickly realized I was missing a huge chunk of the story. So, I pressed pause and immediately ordered 'Lost Souls of Leningrad,' the first installment in Suzanne Parry's incredible Leningrad Trilogy. And let me tell you, it was absolutely the right decision. This book isn't just historical fiction; it's a deep dive into the human spirit under unimaginable duress. It centers on Lena, a young girl, and her grandmother, Sofya, as they navigate the brutal, unforgiving reality of the Siege of Leningrad during World War II. I found myself completely engrossed in their daily struggle for survival—the constant hunger, the biting cold, the ever-present threat of bombardment, and the heartbreaking decisions people had to make just to see another day. What truly struck me was the author's ability to make such a grand, devastating historical event feel so intimately personal. Through Lena's eyes, you don't just read about statistics of suffering; you feel the desperation of finding a piece of bread, the terror of air raids, and the quiet resilience that blossoms even in the darkest corners. Sofya, her grandmother, is a pillar of strength and wisdom, and their relationship forms the emotional core of the novel. Their bond, tested by the horrors around them, highlights the enduring power of family and community, even when everything else is crumbling. The OCR mentioned 'survival in wartime,' and that's precisely what 'Lost Souls of Leningrad' delivers with unflinching honesty. It's a testament to the fact that even when society crumbles, the individual fight for existence, dignity, and a flicker of hope continues. I learned so much about the historical context of the siege, often feeling like I was right there with Lena, shivering in their apartment, rationing meager supplies, and clutching onto small moments of humanity. It’s not just a story of hardship, but also of incredible human adaptation and courage. One of the most profound aspects for me was how Suzanne Parry managed to convey the psychological toll of prolonged siege. It wasn't just about physical survival, but maintaining one's sanity, one's moral compass, and one's hope. This book truly earns its description as 'historical fiction that feels ripped from today's headlines' because the themes of resilience, the impact of conflict on ordinary people, and the struggle for truth resonate so strongly with current global events. It makes you think about how easily life can be irrevocably altered. If you're a fan of richly detailed historical fiction that doesn't shy away from the harsh truths of conflict, or if you're looking for a story that truly makes you appreciate the resilience of the human spirit, 'Lost Souls of Leningrad' is an absolute must-read. It sets the stage perfectly for the rest of the trilogy, giving you the essential background to fully appreciate Katya's journey in 'The Communist's Secret.' I can honestly say this book stayed with me long after I turned the last page, urging me to reflect on the strength required to endure such unimaginable circumstances.