GWM Book Review: A Shadow in Moscow

employs a unique approach that intersects two usually exclusive styles. With rich character development melding with a compelling page-turner, A Shadow in Moscow alternates between two timeframes to realistically convey a story that could be right out of Cold War history.

It was ironic that while reading this book, news broke on June 5, announcing the death of former FBI agent Robert Hansen, an infamous traitor for the Soviets whose exploits were a reminder that such an epoch did exist and was not merely Hollywood fantasy.

There are those whose treachery seemingly knows no bounds and those like the main characters in the book, Ingrid and Anya, for whom a rightful cause is worth any sacrifices made for it.

The book begins in 1984, near the end of the story, with Anya fearing her imminent demise. It then moves back four years to 1980 with Anya, followed by Ingrid in 1944. Then for the next 29 of its 33 chapters, the story develops, alternating between each of them until the timeframes converge and arrive in 1985 when the story climaxes.

The reader gets to share the heroines’ perspectives, especially those of the Soviet Union, and how their respective points of view lead them to join forces with the West – Ingrid with MI-6 and Anya with the CIA.

Initially, this alternating style had me wondering how a coherent plot would emerge. However, one doesn’t need to go very far before it is both comfortable and more powerful than if the tale were told in another style. In this case, the reader is discretely following two stories and wondering if, when, or how they become one.

The espionage genre is rife with wildly exaggerated stories aiming to capture readers’ attention, which can be entertaining but also give the stories an artificial feel. Part of what makes A Shadow in Moscow a good read is that it comes across as authentic. The characters are real people, flaws and all.

While the circumstances of a police state may be difficult for many readers to fully grasp, it too comes across as plausible. Together, they create a realistic tapestry in which readers can immerse themselves and feel as though, even as an observer, they are part of the story and can learn from it – not just the history but about life itself.

Katherine Reay will be Georgia Writers Museum’s “Meet the Author” presenter on her book, A Shadow in Moscow, on Tuesday, July 18, beginning at 11 a.m. with a progressive brunch catered at three downtown Eatonton locations by Russian-born Yelena Bonduryanskaya, owner of Le Bon Cake.

Following brunch, Reay will present her book at 12:30 p.m. The fee is $45 per person (or $40 each for two or more tickets). Tables of six will be available for $200 (a $40 savings).

Contact Georgia Writers Museum online at georgiawritersmuseum.org to register and to pre-order your copy of A Shadow in Moscow. -Contributed by William Schuster, a 22-year veteran senior executive of the Central Intelligence Agency.