Intense and complicated. I struggled a bit to stay on course with all the cross, double cross, triple cross intrigue but found it was a satisfying historical novel of a time period I didn't know much about.

This is a heart-pounding novel that will captivate readers from start to finish. The author skillfully crafts a suspenseful narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns, ensuring an enthralling reading experience.

The story introduces readers to a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. As the plot unfolds, their lives become intertwined in a high-stakes game of danger and deceit. The author expertly maintains a sense of suspense throughout the book, keeping readers guessing and eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its ability to create a palpable atmosphere of tension and unease. The author's vivid descriptions and attention to detail transport readers into the world of the story, making them feel as if they are right alongside the characters, experiencing the thrilling events firsthand.

Thank you, NetGalley, for an e-ARC of Soviet Sisters by Anika Scott.
I am always intrigued when I read books about life in Russia, and this book did not disappoint. Filled with mystery and suspense, Anika Scott creates a novel that is easy to follow and hard to put down.

Anika Scott's 'The Soviet Sisters' immerses readers in life in the Soviet Union during the Cold War, from the very different perspectives of two sisters, Marya and Vera, both brought up to be good Soviets.

The novel opens in 1956 Siberia (3 years after Stalin's death) where Marya has been since 1947) Readers then see lawyer Vera that same year reopening her sister's case in Moscow.

The story moves back and forth in time, starting in 1947 Berlin, where Marya, an interpreter, gets involved in a forbidden affair with British officer Henry Barrow.

Marya is resilient, loving and loyal - and she suffers for it. This novel gives fascinating insights into Stalin's Russia and its aftermath.

Told in a retospective fashion, this historical novel is based in WWII and the Cold War. Two sisters who take different paths when the Soviet Union demanded only one acceptable path.
The older sister's telling is a bit difficult to get into, but as the story unfolds makes more sense.
An educational glimpse into Soviet expectations and limits.

I should have loved this book. I really enjoy fiction about the USSR. As I started reading, I enjoyed the 2 timeline format. In one timeline Marya is with her British boyfriend in Berlin. Is she the spy or is he or both of them? This is the mystery. In the second timeline, Vera is testifying about her sister's actions in an effort to uncover the truth about whether or not Marya is a traitor to the USSR. BTW, Marya is rotting in Siberia for crimes she may or may not have committed.
About 25-30% into the book, the story really slowed down. I got bored. The story was apparently supposed to be somewhat confusing as nobody really knew who was spying on whom and who was guilty of what. I felt the confusion was overdone. At about 60% I considered skipping to the last couple of chapters to find out what happened. Instead, I decided to skim.
At 80%, the book became engrossing. The mystery unraveled, and it was very interesting. Plenty double and triple crosses to keep the reader engaged and guessing. I wish the rest of the book could have been so fascinating. If you get bored and want to give up, skip ahead and read the last 20%. It's really worth it. Maybe readers who enjoy a slower burn will like the bulk of this story more than I did.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.