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The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 caused concern for Russian parents as they dreaded the day their child would be called into service for the Motherland. Ankarov holds this same worry for his son, Petrov, who, despite being an occasional agitator, is known for his dexterity. When the Russian Federation comes for Petrov, a confrontation ensues, ending in bloodshed. Petrov escapes with the intent of getting to Ukraine and out from under the foot of the authoritarian Putin government. His perilous journey consists of a near-fatal tangle with a brown bear, a financial transaction with a murderous gangster, and meeting his long-lost twin brother, whose identity he claims, so that he can join the Russian Army. Petrov doesn't plan to remain on the Russian side for long, as he seeks to defect to the Ukrainians at the opportune moment.
The Russia-Ukraine war has been a polarizing event since its inception, and the feelings of one particular Russian man are seen in this exciting, dramatic narrative. The author imbues his protagonist's veins with patriotism, yet Petrov's love of his country compels him to make extreme decisions. Self-preservation guides the character in his early actions as he flees the scene of his stepfather's last stand and forges his way to the West. Despite Petrov's willingness to kill, the author portrays him with more than enough humanity to know when to refrain from harming innocent people. The story picks up steam when Petrov proceeds with his defection plans and is soon working under the auspices of the CIA. Petrov's collaboration on a top-secret Air Force program imbues the plot with a boost of energy as the war in Ukraine threatens irrevocable actions from the United States. Petrov's story arc offers both sorrowful and uplifting moments as he sacrifices his home to save it.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review