I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Irina Reyn, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

This book was not an easy read for me. There was not nearly as much character development as in the author's previous books. The author writes beautifully, but this story didn't do it for me.

The other issue that I had was that I couldn't look up many of the Russian/Ukranian words that were sprinkled throughout and had to try and figure it out through context. That slowed down the flow of my reading and my enjoyment as well.

This is a SUBJECTIVE recommend. The writing is beautiful and lush. I just wish that I knew more about the Ukraine and Russia geopolitical issues before I read it.

This is a story about a Ukranian woman who moves to New York and leaves her daughter in the Ukraine. Over the years, she works two jobs and continually tries to bring her daughter to the U.S. During her years in the U.S. she watches and listens for as much news as she can get on the Russia-Ukraine war, while anxiously waiting for calls from her daughter to make sure she is alive and well.

An intriguing story exists about the Russian side of New York, and how the many Russians living there keep with their traditions, continue to shop at Russian food stores, eat their traditional foods and slip back into their own language. Also surprising to me was the prejudice towards Ukranians that came out in the story.

In an emotional, unique and complex writing style, the author pens an engaging story about immigration and what it means to be an immigrant. Most importantly, she gives an account of a woman who escapes the war in her country in order to make a better life for her and her daughter.

I was excited about reading this new book by Irina Reyn, since I loved her last novel...but I was very disappointed. I found it hard to follow and felt it contained too many sub-plots and far too many characters, all with Russian names (often changed by use of diminutives), it became confusing.

There is also an expectation that one has an understanding of the politics within the Russian community and the current situation between Russia and Crimea. I am sad to say that plowing through this was just not a joy, but a real slog.

Heart wrenching a novel that will open your eyes to life as a refugee in America .Leaving your family behind leaving your heart with them working to help the survive.In today’s political climate I highly recommend this book would be excellent for book club discussion,#netgalley#Mother Country #St.Martins,

I started this book and after a while found it wasn't something I couldn't finish. Not because of the writing, I think the author did an excellent job,it was a difficult read in that the subject matter was difficult. I tried to put myself in Nadia's shoes, the choice she made to leave her daughter behind, how she felt living in a country that is overwhelming with materialistic needs and wants. A culture so completely different from her background. Yet, even with how I felt, I would give the author kudos for the telling of this story. Would I recommend this book, I would...perhaps another reader may find it not as difficult to get through.

Wow this book punches you in the gut. At some points it was hard to get through because I felt for this family. A really eye opening look at this culture and their struggles.

Reyn is a talented author who paints a vibrant setting and compelling characters. Her story was heart wrenching and engaging.

2.8 - 3

The opening was quite a nice touch and got me interested. And I expected a lot after that.

I appreciated the fact that the author wrote about the situation in Ukraine and how the people there are being treated during the war. It also made me realize how lucky some of us here in the US have simple luxuries such as convenience and vacations that none of them would be able to enjoy in their country that is stricken by war and grief.

I really wanted to like this story, but I just couldn't. There was very little showing and a lot of telling in the narration. I struggled to even connect to the main character, Nadia, let alone other characters in the story, and there were so many of them.

I personally find there was too much focus on Nadia's life in NY, and I couldn't sense her urgency of getting her daughter over to the US. I was also left blinded of her daughter's life over in Ukraine at the present moment. It would've been great to get her POV, her own chapters.

There wasn't really anything that pulled me forward in the story, and the ending was pretty much expected.

Thank you Netgalley and St Martin's Press for a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are of my own.

A full review will be posted on my blog, Twitter and Goodreads closer to publication day.

This book held great emotional significance for me since my mother was also a Russian immigrant. As I read about Nadia's struggles and her hopes and dreams I could picture my mother going through many of the same experiences. With the political debates going on in our country today, this is a book that should be read by all of our politicians as it humanizes the issue and gives it heart. I thank you for giving me a copy of this book.