A beautiful family saga that had me keep returning for more! Maya and Natasha follows two twin sisters native to the Soviet Union over the course of a decade. It has heart, drama, and betrayal. Research is clearly prevalent throughout this novel and as a fan of historical fiction, I loved every snippet. As my own grandmother grew up in East Germany (which was under Soviet control), this offered me an insight into how my own family lived during such a tumultuous time in history. I cannot thank NetGalley and Mariner Books enough for this arc!

MAYA & NATASHA is a wonderful novel that I recommend for fans of historical fiction. The author has clearly done her research, and the 1950s time period and the setting of Soviet Russia are expertly conveyed. The ballet academy details must have been hard to get right, but I feel like the author does a fabulous job. We feel like we are right there with the sisters.

Speaking of sisters, the dynamic between Maya and Natasha rings true as well, and I especially appreciated the psychological insights about their bond as well as their competitiveness.

My one minor complaint is that the novel could have been shorter. However, the length did not detract too much from my overall enjoyment.

I look forward to more from this author. Brava!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to an advance e-galley; all opinions in this review are 100% my own.

Ok first what an absolutely beautiful cover I love how their tutus almost melt into each other. Ok now to the actual review. I loved this book, I was a ballet dancer for a long time growing up so it was nice reading about the competition and it being realistic and not just a phoned in part. You can tell the author did actually research into every part of this book so it was authentic. I liked the alternate narrations from the sisters. Also learning and understnading how their lives and personalities were shaped by their childhood and their environment was really interesting.

Amazing debut by Elyse Durham! If you’re a ballet lover who enjoys historical fiction, you must add this novel to your to-read list. Before I jump into my review, a quick definition: In ballet lingo, a pas de deux is a dance for two. The Kennedy Center defines it perfectly, explaining that a pas de deux represents “the coming together of two people who carry with them all kinds of intense emotions, including love, grief, fear, deceit, joy, and longing.” This novel is pas de deux between twin sisters who grew up in Russia during the Cold War and studied at the famed Vaganova Academy. Bound together by the untimely death of their mother, the totalitarian regime they live under and the notoriously rigorous training at the Vaganova, the girls have come to rely on each other completely. But as they enter their final year as Vaganova students and approach the time to audition for a coveted spot at the Kirov Ballet (now known as the Mariinsky Ballet), cracks start to appear in their relationship. Both sisters end up betraying one another at different stages of their artistic careers, literally shattering their once-unbreakable bond. The novel paints a vivid picture of Soviet-U.S. relations during the Cold War and gives readers a glimpse into ballet history (with appearances by George Balanchine, Lincoln Kirstein, Jacques D’Amboise and more)—with a bit of Tolstoy’s classic War and Peace thrown in. Some sections did move a tiny bit slowly, but overall this was a wonderful debut that I highly recommend. 5/5 pointe shoes!

"Maya and Natasha" is a breathtaking debut novel that masterfully intertwines the intricate world of Cold War Soviet ballet with a deeply emotional family saga. The novel's remarkable attention to detail and thorough research shines through on every page, offering readers a vivid and authentic glimpse into the harsh realities and mesmerizing artistry of the era.

Set against the backdrop of 1950s Soviet Russia, the story of twin sisters Maya and Natasha is brought to life with stunning precision. The author’s meticulous exploration of the Vaganova Ballet Academy and the Kirov Ballet immerses readers in a world where every pirouette and jeté is steeped in historical significance and personal sacrifice. The complex portrayal of the Soviet regime's impact on the arts and the lives of the characters is both insightful and poignant.

The novel deftly balances historical accuracy with emotional depth, allowing readers to fully engage with the sisters' struggles and triumphs. The portrayal of Maya and Natasha's evolving relationship—marked by both fierce competition and unbreakable bonds—adds a powerful dimension to the narrative. Their personal journey, shaped by a world that is as unforgiving as it is mesmerizing, is rendered with a sensitivity and nuance that make their story both compelling and unforgettable.

In "Maya and Natasha," the combination of supreme research and exquisite storytelling results in a novel that is as educational as it is enthralling. This debut not only captures the essence of an era but also delivers a deeply moving tale of dreams, loyalty, and the complexities of sisterhood.

Okay this book was FANTASTIC!! I had no idea what to expect and I was just blown out of the water with this story. It was so well done. Highly recommend!

I was very fortunate to receive an advance copy of this historical fiction debut!!

The story alternates between Maya and Natasha, twin sisters who are competing for one coveted spot in the ballet and how their lives diverge from each other and come back again. Durham did a great job with character development and had a unique way of adding tidbits for the reader for even more minor characters, which I really enjoyed.

The novel takes place during the cold world era in both Russia and the United States. Durham does a wonderful job setting the scene of Russia in the 1940s through 1960s. Since I was born after the Cold War, I left the novel interested in learning more about this part of history. Durham does a great job paralleling Maya's experience in the United States with Natasha's experience in Russia.

If you like a multi-character, heart wrenching story then this one is for you!

I appreciated the author taking the time to note which characters and events she took liberty with throughout the book. Note: I have not read War & Peace and wonder if that would have added to my overall experience with the novel.

Overall, I highly recommend and look forward to future works from this author!!

4.5 stars