Official Review: The Cruel Romance by Marina Osipova

Helpme71 · Post by **Helpme71** » 06 May 2018, 15:57

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Cruel Romance" by Marina Osipova.]

4 out of 4 stars

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The Cruel Romance by Marina Osipova is a historical fiction novel set in Soviet Russia during World War Two. The story centers around Serafima, a young Russian girl who is in love with a young Soviet officer named Victor. During the course of the novel, Serafima endures many hardships, such as the Germans occupying her village and having to work in the factory while the Soviet men continue to fight against Nazi fascists. Osipova did a wonderful job with telling Serafima's story, backing it with accurate historical information about the war and the daily lives of ordinary people.

One of the things I most loved about this novel was the fact that Osipova began with a foreword to explain the mechanics and importance of Russian names. When I read Russian names, I often become confused because there are many different names for the same person, and it is difficult for me to keep track of which character is called by which names. Osipova's explanation of how names and nicknames work in Russian made it so much easier for me to understand which character was being addressed, and I was actually able to enjoy the novel because of the clarification on names.

Another thing I enjoyed was the way Osipova developed her characters. Because the novel takes place over a span of years, it is only natural that the characters should change instead of being static. Yet, I feel that Osipova's development of her characters was distinct from other historical fiction novels. While reading, I felt that I could identify with Serafima as the main character, reading as she grew and transitioned over the course of the novel. Even Serafima's mother, Glafira, underwent character development during the novel, which I was surprised at. I honestly wasn't expecting her to change, and yet she did. It was a pleasant surprise for me as the reader.

As wonderful as the novel was, I did have one area of concern while reading. Osipova likes to switch between character perspectives, which is fine. However, the book is only broken up into two parts: during the war and after the war. Other than those two parts, there are no chapter titles, which made it jarring to switch between character perspectives. For me, it would have eased the transition between perspectives if Osipova had indicated with a title or heading when the perspective is changing, instead of switching perspectives with no warning.

Despite the area of concern I previously mentioned, I thought the book was wonderful. The ending was a surprise since I wasn't expecting it to happen that particular way, and I was brought to tears at how Osipova wrapped up Serafima's story. Therefore, I have to give The Cruel Romance a 4 out of 4 stars. From beginning to end, I was mesmerized by Serafima and her struggles during the war, and I loathed to put the book down!

A word of caution, though, for readers who are disturbed by certain content. This book contains some adult themes, including graphic violence, implied rape, thoughts of suicide, and attempted or successful suicide. If these themes disturb you, then this is not a good book for you. However, if you are a fan of historical fiction, and you are looking for a novel that is well-researched and centers around World War Two and the aftermath, then you will enjoy this book.

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The Cruel Romance
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AmySmiles · Post by **AmySmiles** » 09 May 2018, 06:59

I enjoy books that are centered around WWI and WWII I might just have to check this one out. Thanks for the review.

Sahani Nimandra · Post by **Sahani Nimandra** » 09 May 2018, 20:53

I really like war related book. I know the current events are bad but they always have a way of maintaining my interest because it is a real read. No matter how much you read about them each person has a different story to tell. Thank you for sharing!

melissy370 · Post by **melissy370** » 10 May 2018, 06:04

I don't know if I would like the switching in perspectives without warning. But, this sounds like a good book in describing how was effects people. Thanks for the review.

kfwilson6 · Post by **kfwilson6** » 10 May 2018, 08:46

This sounds like a good book but probably not one I will read. I tend to steer more toward historical fiction centered around monarchs. I have a weird fascination with the historical royals (mostly of Europe). I'm not a huge fan of war-time fiction.

I too have struggled with who is who when Russian characters are included in a book. Their names get long and I am unfamiliar with the titles they use. That is a great piece that you included in your review.

I am glad you enjoyed this book so much.

Lizzy Gentle · Post by **Lizzy Gentle** » 12 May 2018, 06:16

Wow what a nice book i think it will also help up-coming writers. Keep up the good work

Salami Al-amin · Post by **Salami Al-amin** » 13 May 2018, 02:59

Historical Fiction helps see the life of the past.

stacie k · Post by **stacie k** » 13 May 2018, 09:29

You made a good observation about the switching of perspectives. It seems logical to make a chapter break at those points. In spite of this issue, I would like to read this book. Thanks for a great review!