This is a fascinating novel about real life events that occurred when Boris Pasternak wrote his  famous novel, Dr. Zhivago. Set in the early 1950’s this novel describes the dramatic efforts of the publishing world and the newly created Central Intelligence Agency to get a copy of Pasternak’s manuscript which had been banned by Russian authorities as being anti-communist and treasonous.

The novel uses several different characters to tell this story: Irina, a Russian-American who works in the typing pool at the CIA and is tasked with smuggling the manuscript out of Russia, her mentor and friend, Sally Forrester who worked as a spy during the war and helps Irina learn how to use charm and deflection to do what needs to be done. Meanwhile in Russia we follow the real life  story of Olga Ivinskaya, Boris Pasternak’s mistress. Boris based the love story of Yuri and Lara in Dr. Zhivago on his relationship with Olga who was both his lover and his muse.

Weaving both fact and fiction, Prescott has written a fascinating book about the the early days of the CIA, the human cost for living the life of a spy and the terrible consequences that Pasternak and Olga endured for writing a legendary novel that has touched millions of people.

I thoroughly enjoyed this first novel by Prescott and hope that we will hear from her again soon!

Brenda’s Rating: **** ( 4 Out of 5 Stars)

Recommend this book to: Marian, Lauren, Sharon and Keith

Book Study Worthy? Yes

Read in e-library format.