Member Reviews

⭐️⭐️/ 5

“It will be all or nothing. This life, or him. This palace, or that cellar. Royalty, or revolution.”

📖 Not so long ago, Rosie lived peacefully in Moscow and her mother told fairy tales at bedtime. But one night, all that came abruptly to an end when her father and sister were gunned down. Years later, Rosie studies in Oxford, with a fiancé who knows nothing of her former life.

Desperate for answers, Rosie returns to her homeland and uncovers a devastating family history. At the heart stands a young noblewoman, Tonya, whose actions reverberated across the century - but how does she link to Rosie’s own modern-day story?

💭I read this a few weeks ago and, if I’m honest, it hasn’t really stuck with me.

I’ll start with the positives, which is that this story read like a modern-day Russian fairytale and I loved the ‘story-telling’ element that was woven throughout the narrative.

I find Russian history super interesting ever since watching the film Anastasia (lol jk) and taking an amazing family trip to St Petersburg a few years ago, and so I loved reading about the Russian Revolution in this book. It was fascinating to read about the people - the family, friends and lovers - involved in this war, particularly when on opposing sides of the fight.

I also enjoyed the dual narrative, which alternated between Rosie and Tonya although, for me, Tonya was by far the more interesting voice.

However, as I’ve mentioned, a few weeks on and I can’t really remember the story well at all. Either I need to write my reviews sooner, or this wasn’t a particularly memorable one for me. I think this is because I found some of it quite dense and complicated - although I could blame this on the fact I was reading on a Kindle and so couldn’t easily flick back for reference points like I can with a physical book. I didn’t love the characters and found the supernatural element a little odd 🧐

Whilst it’s a 2⭐️ from me, I would recommend this book to historical fiction lovers! It had a little bit of everything: Russian history, hardships, romance, political strife, heartache, commitment and determination.

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One usually knows what to expect from a dual timeline historical fiction: a mysterious story in the past, another in the present, woven together, and at some point they click like two pieces of a puzzle, and voilá, secret is uncovered.

Well, this novel is a lot more than this.

The book works with two interesting time periods: the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Both are real treat for history lovers. I am not one myself, but I enjoyed the author's detailed presentation of the political and social circumstances nonetheless.

Several times I believed that I knew how the story ends, who is who, but then another twist came, and my theory collapsed like a house of cards. Even at 90% I had no clue what was going on.

A heart wrenching story, human characters, powerful emotions, beautiful prose.

Thank you NetGalley and Allison & Busby for this Advance Review Copy.

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The Porcelain Doll by Kristen Loesch is a stunning historical fiction that weaves a tale between two time periods in Russian history during the 20th century giving the reader an amazing look at a multi-generation story for the ages. This was such a good book. I love historical fiction, especially when it is about eras/ situations that I previously knew nothing about and this was definitely one of those books. It was so well researched and so compelling in its narrative that not only did I love reading it but I felt that I learned too. A really enjoyable read and perfect for any fans of historical fiction. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

3.5/5.

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While this had an interesting story, as with most multiple POVs I had a favourite and only wanted to read that perspective.

Still it's an interesting premise and I think people who enjoy russian history would be intrigued by the story.

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What a stunning read. A brilliant historical novel that all lovers of this genre shouldn’t miss reading. Written in two timelines and following two incredible women. In 1991, in the UK, following her mothers death, Rosie (Raisa) is trying to uncover the secrets of her family. From 1915, in Russia, and encompassing the 1917 revolution, Tonya (Antonia), the beautiful porcelain doll, is escaping a loveless marriage. This is such a beautifully written and intricately composed book I was shocked to find it was a debut novel

Briefly, as a young child Raisa lived in Moscow but when her father and sister were killed she, and her mother, moved to England. Following her mothers death all she has of her family is a handwritten book of Russian fairy tales. Returning to her homeland she uncovers a shocking family history at the centre of which is her Grandmother, Tonya.

A fabulous saga of an aristocratic family during the revolution that led to the end of the Russian royal family and the start of communism. Full of wonderful descriptive prose and remarkable character I enjoyed this book so much I didn’t want it to end. I will eagerly await the authors next book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Written between two time lines, and expertly controlled as many are not, this story sweeps through Russian history as experienced by one particular family. The recreation of different periods and places is completely convincing and meticulously researched but the novel's strength is the power of its emotional range and the way in which the reader is from the start invested in the widely differing characters. I thought the book looked quite long at 362 pages but they flew by as did the 20th century history of Russia, more relevant today than ever, without at any point feeling didactic or heavy. This is the best kind of historical fiction and I recommend it highly.

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Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars out of 5
I adore historical fiction and the description of this book was right up my alley. The story is spread across two narratives as we follow Rosie/Raisa on her return to post Bloc Russia years after fleeing for their lives and Tonya, a young bride as she adjusts to life in at the cusp of the Russian Revolution. Chapters are preceded by tales from the book Raisa is given by her mother which are wonderful allegorys for historic memories of Russia in the 20th Century. Tonya's timeline is utterly fascinating and is shaped by an array of strong characters it is a powerful story though often heartbreaking as they try to survive in a post revolution country that is in constant upheaval.
I didn't particularly enjoy Raisa's timeline and didn't feel invested in it as I was with Tonya's story. I found the how the two stories connected a bit clunky and part of Raisa's timeline a forced which took a bit away from the story for me as would have been a solid 4/5 otherwise.
I would definitely recommend to read it still if you enjoy historical fiction

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I was so excited to read this but it just didn't deliver. It was quite staged and clunky and after about one fifth I was just struggling to keep up with the story.

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This is definitely a tightly-packed epic - and a worthy tribute to its forefathers! I loved the details of Russian history and Loesch writes so movingly about the horrors of the Gulag. I'm not usually a fan of this sort of dual perspective; that is, a woman in the present finding out about a woman (usually a relative) in the past. Sadly, this wasn't an exception. I found Rosie's story bland in comparison to Tonya's and so many of the twists (hinging on multiple changes of identity) felt too convienient. The characterisation, for me, also wasn't quite up to scratch - like any other Russian epic, there were just too many indistinguishable characters to keep track of. My lasting impression was that the doll motif was completely unnecessary! Nevertheless, an enjoyable (though slightly dissatisfying) read.

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It took me a while to read this book.It’s set in Russia and jumps around from the 1917 revolution to the Stalinist period and on to the 90s and the time of glasnost .As well as this it has several characters who tell their stories throughout and so the narrative jumps around too.I found this all quite confusing and as I was reading an electronic version of the book,it was harder to look back and check on what had gone before.
The central story of Tonya and Valentin was the most interesting and would probably have stood up without bringing in the character of Rosie/Raisa who I didn’t warm to at all.I also wasn’t keen on the ghost element of the book and didn’t feel it added much. However,anyone interested in the history of Russia would certainly find this book of interest and the author is very knowledgeable about her subject.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review which reflects my own opinion.

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This is a long tale which winds its way through modern Russian history via the story or Rosie / Raisa returning to Russia to find her roots. I really struggled with this book and although it is well-written it didn’t chime with me and I had to force myself to finish it.

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Rosie lived peacefully in Moscow and her mother told her fairy tales. One summer night, all that came abruptly to an end when her father and sister were gunned down. Now, Rosie’s only inheritance from her reclusive mother is a notebook full of eerie, handwritten tales, but there is another story lurking between the lines.

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The Porcelain Doll is an interesting novel and has a lot of detail about Russian politics from about 1915-1985. However, I really struggled with the more fantastical elements of the story involving folk tales and superstitions. OK, the basic names aren't too confusing but the way that people seem to swap identities at will is. It's no wonder that Rosie is confused as to who her father is.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the chance to review this book.

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Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for a review.

This book is an insane, amazing, beautiful, engrossing whirlwind of a read. I know it's only February, but it genuinely may be the best book I read this year. It is definitely a new favourite.

Loesch crosses her Ibsen-esque tale with the over-arching realness and fantasicity of The Hours. This is truly an incredible tale, so evocative of the different eras, places, and themes it crosses. It is a masterful debut. I cannot believe this is only Loesch's first novel. She has gained a fan for life in me.

The crossing tales of Raisa/Rosie and Tonya are disturbing, gorgeous, upsetting, and delightfully twisty-turny. All of that coupled with the beautiful fairy tales Loesch has written herself and weaved in, make for a pretty much perfect book.

If you have ever been interested in Russia, history, mothers and daughters, sacrifice, dreams, mystery, or just some really good writing, you have to read The Porcelain Doll. It is a novel truly unlike any others, and surpassing most.

I cannot wait to read everything that Kristen Loesch writes, and I cannot wait for this book to become the classic it undoubtably is.

Thank you again to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC, it has truly been a privilege to be one of the first readers of this magnificent story.

Five huge, glowing stars.

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A great historical novel telling the family tale of Rosies heritage, living in Oxford but from Russia until a Fatal Night where she and her Mum escaped but not the rest of their family.
Now it's the 1990's her Mums just died and she finds a job that gives her a summer in Russia. She leaves behind her Fiancée and heads of with a job and an agenda. This novel covers 2 of the key times for Russia in the 20th century the Russian revolution deposing the Tzar and the down fall of the iron curtain. Two times of immense upheaval and importance, just like the early 2020's could be in the future for the UK and a Covid hit World. But the best thing about The Porcelian Doll is its another time and a great escape away from all that's going on around you.
This was a fantastic read and so gripping that I didn't really want to put it down even for food that takes a bit. So yes I recommend this novel I loved it and how you do as well, informative gripping and well worth reading.

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I really enjoyed this book up until the last 10%. Although not a fan up jumping time-lines I realised they were important part of telling the story. Telling the history of post-Revolution Russia through various characters worked well. There is a fairy tale element to the story but all the horror and pain is there too. I felt the ending was too neat and didn't ring true. Maybe the author just wanted a fairy tale ending.

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An epic saga about a young women trying to trace her roots and come to terms with secrets of her family’s past.
It is a sweeping story which starts in the early nineties when Rosie a young undergraduate of Russian descent accepted a job as a researcher for a charismatic author who escaped from the Soviet cam system.
Little does Rosie know that in order to uncover the secrets of her past that she will find the horrors of the history of the Soviet system that effected so many in her family as they struggled for free speech.
Absolutely brilliant

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Thank you to Netgalley and Allison & Busby for the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

First off, this was a 5 star read. My first 5 star read of the year, in fact. You may remember that last year I gave a more than worthy 5 stars to another Allison & Busby release, Love & Fury by Samantha Silver. They keep coming out with these breath-taking books and I don't know what to do with myself after putting them down. Keep it coming A&B!

What I loved;
- This book is told from a couple of perspectives in different time periods; the way Loesch gives such clear voices to her protagonists and yet manages to tie them together through emotion or circumstance is truly brilliant.
- I do not profess to be an expert on Russian history - far from it - but we're taken right back to the Russian Revolution with such ease that never does it feel overwhelming or an overload of information.
- I love a book that can keep me guessing. Whilst I thought I had guessed something throughout most of the book, it turns out Loesch was stringing me along for a tastier pay-off. I really didn't see it coming, and you won't either.
- With forbidden love, and lost family, I think it's no coincidence that this book reminded me so much of Anna Karenina, but also the story of Anastasia.

What I disliked;
- Absolutely nothing. I look forward to reading more of Loesch's work in the future.

Read if you like
- Historical Fiction switching between time periods.
- Long lost love
- Academia / Russian history
-Reading: Kate Morton, Stacey Halls, Anna Karenina, The Lighthouse Witches
- Watching: Queen's Gambit, Downton Abbey, Anastasia, Chernobyl

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I really appreciate NetGalley and the publisher allowing me to read an ARC of this novel. It sounded like it would be right up my alley but it isn’t, and 20 days later I’m only 45% through and dreading reading so it’s time to give up.

I see other reviews are hailing this as a modern “Russian Epic” so maybe it’s meant to be hard work to read. But sorry, I’m bored and I just don’t do ghost stories (honestly the blurb should somehow tell you there is a haunting so you don’t make this mistake if you don’t want to).

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Rosie lives in London and studies in Oxford and in the autumn she will marry her perfectly normal and safe fiancé, Richard. Raisa was born in Russia where she lived with her mum and dad and sister until her dad and sister were shot and her mum took her and fled and never spoke of it again. The problem? Rosie and Raisa are the same person; one woman who is haunted by a past she does not understand and cannot escape from. When her mother dies, alone and the barest shadow of her former self, Rosie returns to Russia and the ghost of her sister Zoya goes with her. Now that she isn’t trying to escape her past anymore, it rushes towards her: mysteries unravel, secrets reveal themselves, ghosts become more solid, the truth creeps ever closer.

Decades before Raisa was born, Tonya lived a tumultuous life in Russia. With few friends and little support, Tonya lived on the edge of history, trying to avoid it as much as possible and to simply live her life. But the man she loved was not satisfied to live on the side-lines of history and his decisions would shape the future of Tonya’s life and the lives of her children and grandchildren.

The two narrative threads of this novel, modern day Rosie and Tonya in Soviet Russia, intertwine expertly throughout with hints of one leeching into the other. But the joining of the threads remained frustratingly out of reach for much of the narrative, urging me to read quicker and quicker. From the beginning of the narrative Raisa’s path was obvious; she would follow the trail of clues until she reached the truth and as she did so she would shrug off the façade of Rosie and embrace Raisa once more. In contrast, Tonya’s path was difficult to follow and, at times, impossible to predict. This created an erratic pacing that pulled me hypnotically through the narrative in enticing fits and starts.

Much as Raisa is haunted by her sister, this book haunted me in all waking hours that I could not read it. Yet where learning the truth about Zoya’s death led to the end of her hauntings, the end of this book has stayed with me.

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