Ratings5
Average rating3.2
Alexander Karpenko is no ordinary child, and from an early age, it is clear he is destined to lead his countrymen. But when his father is assassinated by the KGB for defying the state, he and his mother will have to escape from Russia if they hope to survive. At the docks, they are confronted with an irreversible choice: should they board a container ship bound for America, or Great Britain? Alexander leaves that choice to the toss of a coin. In a single moment, a double twist decides Alexander's future. During an epic tale of fate and fortune, spanning two continents and thirty years, we follow his triumphs and defeats as he struggles as an immigrant to conquer his new world. As this unique story unfolds, Alexander comes to realize where his destiny lies, and accepts that he must face the past he left behind in Russia.
Reviews with the most likes.
Those three stars are just for the last chapter.
For all the chapters leading up to it a solid 5.
It's unlike Jeffrey Archer to force you to “think” about the end to a story.
How Murakami of him.
But I respect the author's audacity to try something different.
Otherwise, the novel's like any other from the author, keeps us on the edge of our seats till the last sentence. Makes us read over hundred pages in one sitting.
All that was missing was a twist so good, your jaw drops, you close the book, smile to yourself of the man's genius, open the book again and continue reading. Maybe shed a tear or two.
Feel like I would appreciate this book more when I do eventually read it again, to pick up all the signs the author left about the abrupt ending.
But one thing's for sure, wouldn't recommend this as the first book to read by the author.
That privilege lies with Kane and Abel.