I found this to be an interesting read and a good plot, HOWEVER, I did not think any of the main characters were admirable at all. Not that likable main characters are essential to a book / plot, but I am surprised by the other Reviewers who really admire Kira and others who did find Andrei is the only "real man" in the book; A man who never betrays his values. First, on the Andrei front, while he does display the most Virtue Regarding his loyalty and stoicism, let's not forget That his loyalty led him to gun down peasants and farmers Whom the communists felt were "cheating" them out of Their share of crops. While the reader only sees Taganov When he's being on upstanding, passionate man who has strength of character and loves Kira honestly, Andrei's monologues allow us a glimpse into what he does on the job with the GPU. He Seems Comfortable with the killing and torture did made the USSR Such a fun place to live under the communists. Regarding Kira, her determination to live as at individual is admirable, HOWEVER, her devotion to the empty Leo Seems out of character. It's as though she's really only Attracted to him physically. That makes her interesting, but not someone to model your life after, as so many other readers seem to suggest. I thought the description of life in Soviet Russia which particulary well done. It's hard to believe people did (communists) Actually talked like that, but the edge grew up in this period and has Indicated thatthis aspect is accurate. This is an excellent story, but it's thoroughly depressing.
