A Train to Moscow: A Novel

In post–World War II Russia, Sasha must reconcile her tragic past with her hope for the future while pursuing her dream of becoming an actress and discovering her uncle Kolya's war journal, which exposes the official lies and the forbidden truth of Stalins brutality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 316 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2022
Publisher: Amazon Publishing

In the aftermath of World War II, Russia finds itself grappling with the profound consequences of the war and the emergence of a new political order. Amidst this tumultuous backdrop, a young girl named Sasha embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing.

Growing up in a small, provincial town nestled behind the Iron Curtain, Sasha harbored a deep passion for acting. Despite the disapproval of her mother and grandparents, she decided to pursue her dream and leave for Moscow to audition for a prestigious drama school. It was a decision that would forever change the course of her life.

As Sasha ventured into the city, she encountered a world of endless possibilities and opportunities. She was determined to make the most of her chance and seize every opportunity that came her way. However, her journey was not without its challenges. Along the way, she faced rejection, discrimination, and even the loss of her first love, Andrei.

Despite the setbacks, Sasha remained resilient and unwavering in her pursuit of her dream. She stumbled upon the hidden war journal of her uncle Kolya, an artist who had been missing in action for years. Kolya's pages revealed the official lies and the forbidden truth of Stalin's brutality, a revelation that shook Sasha to her core.

Kolya's revelations and his tragic love story became a source of inspiration for Sasha as she navigated through drama school. His words ignited a fire within her, fueling her determination to live a thousand lives onstage. After graduation, Sasha began acting in Leningrad, where Andrei, now a Communist Party apparatchik, became a censor of her work.

As Sasha's ambitions converged with Andrei's duties, she faced a difficult decision. She had to weigh the cost of her dreams against the sacrifices that were required to achieve them. Her grandmother often reminded her that "all will indeed be well," but Sasha couldn't shake off the feeling that something was not quite right.

As the past began to unravel, Sasha found herself caught in a web of secrets and lies. She realized that her dreams were not as simple as she had once believed and that the path to success was paved with obstacles and challenges. But she refused to give up, determined to overcome every obstacle that came her way.

In the end, Sasha's journey was a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit. She had faced her demons, conquered her fears, and emerged stronger than ever before. She had learned that sometimes, the greatest sacrifices required the greatest courage, and that true success was not measured by material possessions or societal status but by the fulfillment of one's dreams and the impact one had on others.

As Sasha looked back on her life, she realized that her past had shaped her into the person she was today. She had learned to embrace her uniqueness, to stand up for what she believed in, and to never give up on her dreams. And she knew that there were still countless lives ahead of her, waiting to be lived and explored.

In conclusion, "Sasha's Journey" is a powerful and poignant novel that explores the complexities of post-World War II Russia and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. Through the journey of a young girl named Sasha, the book sheds light on the hidden truths of a tragic past and the sacrifices required to pursue one's dreams. It is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and the human spirit's ability to overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

Weight: 310g
Dimension: 138 x 207 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781542033862