Twelve Months of a Soviet Childhood

By: Julia Gousseva

Narrated by: Dawn Adkins

Length: 2 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's Summary

Most books about the Soviet Union focus on politics, food shortages, or lack of democratic freedoms.

This collection of stories portrays everyday experiences of a young girl growing up in the Soviet Union of the 1970s.

Childhood can be a magical and innocent time, oblivious to political regimes and problems. And that's what these 12 stories strive to convey.

©2012 Julia Gousseva (P)2015 Julia Gousseva

A wonderful joy to the senses

Sit back, close your eyes and travel to a simpler time. Actually it is not a simpler time. It is a very tumultuous time but as a nation grows from adolescence to adulthood, we see the world through the mind and heart of two young girls. We experience the human side of life in the old Soviet Union. We experience what is/was really important in life.

Amidst the turmoil of the Soviet Union of the 1970s, and thanks to the wonderful writing style of author Julia Gousseva, we experience what is/was most important in life; love, family, family traditions, and all the beauty that surrounds us. The combination of narrator Dawn Adkin’s soft soothing voice and author Julia Gousseva’s colorful, visual poetic writing style makes this book a joy to the senses.

Based on the print version of the book, there is a story for each month of the year: “January: A New Year’s Party at the Kremlin,” “February: Sunshine above the Clouds,” “March: Meeting My Best Friend,” “April: Swimming in Gorky Park,”May: The Swamp Spirit,” “June: A Real Gentleman,” “July: The Hedgehog,” “August: The Music Box,” “September: The First Day of School,” “October: The Witch Club,” “November: House Repairs,” “December: New Year's Tree.”

The author inserts background snippets before each story which are interesting for their stand-alone historical significance and they make each story that much more interesting.

I really loved the whole experience of listening to this book. The 12 stories are related to the months of the year and relevant to some of the traditions of the old Soviet Union and the new Russia. I recommend this book for all ages and because the narrator’s voice is so relaxing and soothing I want to mention that it would also make a wonderful bedtime story. Of course you will need to lie down on the bed next to your child and bond and listen to this wonderful collection of stories together to experience it as it should be. One more thing; this is a book that you can listen to multiple times. I highly recommend it - 5 stars.

3 people found this helpful

Interesting look into life in Russia

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this book! It was a very interesting look into life in the Soviet Union. These short stories were sweet with details about all generations of families and their relationships. I would read more books by this author.

This book was given to me in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. I enjoyed it not because it was 'free'...but because it really was a pleasure to listen to!

2 people found this helpful

Fascinating and Interesting Look within SovietLife

What does Dawn Adkins bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Great narration that kept me fascinated and interested in the story.

Any additional comments?

Great book that opened one's eyes into Russia.


"This review copy audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost."

1 person found this helpful

Interesting insights into Soviet life

With Russia in the news so much lately, this book is very timely. While it doesn't focus on politics, it provides interesting insights into the life of a Soviet kid. The story about all the Christmas ornaments was especially interesting.

1 person found this helpful

Slice of Soviet life

I really enjoyed this collection of short stories, because I adore anecdotal slice of life stories and that is exactly what this book is. All of the stories are quaint and innocent, and each of them are introduced with a historical backdrop to help the reader/listener get better acquainted with the era. Basically, this book is a collection of short stories that portray life during the Soviet Union through the eyes of a child, and it’s very well done. The narration is perfect too, and Dawn Adkins' performance really brought each story and character to life.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

1 person found this helpful

Captivating and informative collection of stories

Would you listen to Twelve Months of a Soviet Childhood again? Why?

I would listen to it again, just to be able to revisit and experience the author's world and gain more insight that I did during the first listen.

What did you like best about this story?

I really liked hearing the author's perspective on growing up in the Soviet Union. It was unique and interesting to learn about the day to day lives of the people. With all of the politics that permeates the news nowadays, it was a breath of fresh air to hear about regular people simply living their lives. The author did a great job of captivating the emotions and atmosphere of her childhood and she painted a vivid and realistic picture with her words.

Which scene was your favorite?

One of my favorite scenes was at the beginning of the book, when the author describes going to the palace for the traditional Christmas festivities. The details were great.

Any additional comments?

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to view the Soviet Union from a child's perspective. It is very eye-opening and enjoyable.

1 person found this helpful

Wonderful stories from Russia

It's hard to find out about everyday life in the USSR, and these short stories help paint a picture of what it was like to grow up there. They are very heartwarming stories and I enjoyed them all!

Enchanting and insightful

A collection of sweet and innocent childhood stories set in the Soviet Russia, a country most of us still don't know much about. I found the writing insightful and enchanting. The narration made the stories come to life. Highly recommended!