The Revolution of Marina M.

A Novel

De: Janet Fitch

Narrado por: Yelena Shmulenson

From the mega-bestselling author of White Oleander and Paint It Black, a sweeping historical saga of the Russian Revolution, as seen through the eyes of one young woman.

St. Petersburg, New Year's Eve, 1916. Marina Makarova is a young woman of privilege who aches to break free of the constraints of her genteel life, a life about to be violently upended by the vast forces of history. Swept up on these tides, Marina will join the marches for workers' rights, fall in love with a radical young poet, and betray everything she holds dear, before being betrayed in turn.

As her country goes through almost unimaginable upheaval, Marina's own coming-of-age unfolds, marked by deep passion and devastating loss, and the private heroism of an ordinary woman living through extraordinary times. This is the epic, mesmerizing story of one indomitable woman's journey through some of the most dramatic events of the last century.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Marina's unlikely bildungsroman proves so gripping that it's hard to put down...Fitch depicts [the Revolution] with devastating accuracy and imaginative power...sprawling, majestic."—Ani Kokobobo, LA Review of Books

"Sprawling, immersive, and heavily researched."—Steph Cha, USA Today

"Marina is by turns adventurous, foolish, romantic, self-destructive and courageous in this extraordinary coming-of-age tale."—Jane Ciabbatari, BBC Culture

"This epic tale from the bestselling author of White Oleander follows Marina Makarova, a young woman living in St. Petersburg at the start of the Russian Revolution in 1916. Looking to escape from her privileged life, she joins the marches for worker's rights-and finds herself falling in love with the movement and a young radical. In this relatable coming-of-age novel, Marina grapples with a changing world and struggles to find her place in it."—Nora Horvath, Real Simple

"A captivating novel starring an unforgettable heroine, The Revolution of Marina M. shows you a side to the Russian Revolution you've never seen before."—Sadie Trombetta, Bustle

"It's a portrait of a moment in time -- of a woman in time, in fact -- that we don't often see, and you'll find yourself savoring each and every word of this breathtaking novel."—Chelsea Hassler, PopSugar

"Janet Fitch's novel shimmers with vital energy...[she] clearly did an astounding amount of research for the novel, which luxuriates in exotic period details...The Revolution of Marina M. is hard to put down...it is charming and lively and ultimately worth the time."—Trine Tsouderos, Chicago Tribune

"This is Janet Fitch at her finest."—Elizabeth Entenman, HelloGiggles

"Janet Fitch's The Revolution of Marina M., an epic tale of one young woman's story amid the drama and tragedy of the Russian Revolution, is just the thing to keep you both personally inspired and seasonally appropriate."—Mary Sollosi, Entertainment Weekly

"This new novel from the author of White Oleander is going to swallow you up entirely."—Melissa Ragsdale, Bustle

"This is an epic page-turner of a novel."—Mackenzie Dawson, NY Post

"A beautiful, cinematic novel...Hollywood, take note."—Alison K. Hill, Daily Bulletin

"Fitch narrows the Russian Revolution to one woman's perspective, crafting a gorgeous epic that's a must-read for historical fiction fans."—Frannie Jackson, Paste Magazine

"Fitch catches and holds our interest through 800 pages, rewarding us with rich and provocative stories, compelling characters and literary prose of the very highest order."—Jonathan Kirsch, Jewish Journal

Very Dark

I was never so relieved for a book to end. Not only was it long, but unfolded in a time and place where there was so little happiness and light. Expertly written, I often came away from it feeling sad and defeated - I believe that is a testimony to the skill of the author. I love St Petersburg, so maybe that made it easier for me to see it through to its conclusion (but was that a conclusion?). However, I definitely will need to choose a lighter subject for my next listen ... this book left me depressed and exhausted.

Marina's Revolution, Indeed!

Nothing like a revolution springing its banks, while a somewhat pampered poetess and the men and women in her life try to navigate the flood waters. She believed she could so she did, or at least, she tried to and that's all
that matters.

I'm a Dr. Zhivago nut. Watched it over and over, read it in college, reread it a few years ago by audio. When I was a child, I understood the love and the tragedy. When in college, I picked up so much more on the politics. It was only when I listened again a few years ago that I realized the themes- the old Country vs the new country, and how Zhivago's loves reflected them, and the tragedies of each. Because I'm such a Dr. Z fan, I was a bit afraid to pick this up, especially with the billing being somewhat of a Dr. Z for women.

I'm not really sure it is, but the beauty of this book Is how it stands on its own, rather like The Count did in The Gentleman of Moscow. I don't think the symbolism is near as strong as in Dr. Z, but the depth of the journey is certainly present, the hopes, the loves, and the tragedies. The shattered lives, the growth, the twists and turns. It is amazing what humans will do to survive. This book showed me yet another top story of the Reds and beyond. Highly recommend.

More "Gone with the Wind" than "War and Peace"

Any additional comments?

I never write reviews, but I must say something about this book. I was expecting a “sweeping historical saga” and serious literary fiction, but I realized my mistake after the first tawdry sex scene. By the time we get to the cult and the abrupt ending (with no indication of a serial), I had spent 30 hours on the kind of book I would never pick up on my own.

What kept me going? I listen to a lot of Russia-related books, both fiction and non-fiction. This is the first Audible book on a Russian theme where the narrator actually knows Russian. Usually Russian novels and great non-fiction like Anne Appelbaum’s "Gulag" are ruined by horrendous mispronunciations that could be easily corrected. I kept listening to “Marina M.” partly just to enjoy Yelena Shmulenson’s authentic narration. Most of the books she has narrated seem similarly light, but I will listen to Svetlana Alexievich’s “The Unwomanly Face of War” just for Shmulenson’s narration. I hope Audible will use her for other Russia-related books.

As for the story, I’m not familiar with Janet Fitch. I did some research and found that she studied Russian history and loves Dostoevsky. References in the book to futurist poetry, Viktor Skhlovsky, and precise historical details might be lost on many readers, but they demonstrate a deep knowledge of Russian cultural history. Her specific descriptions of St. Petersburg are spot on. It’s just a shame that she wastes her talents following the pattern of Danielle Steele, rather than Dostoevsky.

Nonetheless, I will probably listen to the sequel. The naïve Marina of this volume is bound to become disillusioned with her revolution, if the author is faithful to the facts. I’m guessing she will end up in the Gulag.

So rich in characters and imagination

Janet Fitch has done it again, pulling us into the world of Marina M, a 16-year old daughter of the one of the Russian Bourgeoisie. We first meet her in 1918, rebellious with Bolshevik sympathies. Marina has so much unimaginable happen to her by the time she turns 19, including rejection by her parents, seduction, torture, and near-starvation, that it seems there are at least half a dozen novellas here. Her incredible experiences go beyond the chaos and uncertainty of the revolution.
I am going to miss Marina M.

Raw emotions through your guts...

Such emotional journey through history...gut wrenching. A classic. The best novel I read this year. Period.