The Communist's Secret: A Novel

(Paperback)

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Written by a former arms control negotiator turned historical novelist,this epic WWII tale of betrayal and second chances details how a woman trapped in occupied Russia fights the Nazisand her own demons.

For fans of Kate Quinn and Mark Sullivan, a haunting World War II novel of mistakes and second chances, of courage and the search for forgiveness, and of finding peace with oneself.

Driven by a blind devotion to the Communist Party, self-centered Katya Karavayeva has broken the most important rule in Soviet society: never say anything that can be used against you. On the heels of that betrayal, Nazi Germany invades and the Soviet Union mobilizes. Katya hopes to halt her downward spiral by joining the volunteer militia, but within a few short weeks finds herself under attack.

After escaping with another volunteer, Katya spends weeks on the run before landing in a town under Nazi occupation. There, she finds a place and a purpose and learns to fight a different kind of war, repaying German brutality with a harsh justice of her own. All the while she struggles against her inner demons and dreams of reunion with her daughter and forgiveness from her husbandthe one she betrayed.

Reviews

Praise for The Lost Souls of Leningrad

With the Russian attack on Ukraine fresh in the imagination of readers, the wartime horrors of the siege and the emotional toll on the victims ring true. Parry has transformed her impressive research into a vigorous story of how love vanquishes despair.Library Journal

Set in 1941 Leningrad, this tension-filled, well-crafted WWII historical novel tells the harrowing story of Sofya Karavayeva, a widowed violinist, and Yelena, her spirited, young granddaughter. . . . Through masterfully created characters and vivid dialogue, this powerful, inspiring saga brings to the forefront the overwhelming challenges of the daily life of those lost in Leningrad during one of the most treacherous periods in Russian history. . . .Lost Souls of Leningradis a thought-provoking, disturbing, and compassionate portrayal of wars impact and how the lives of ordinary people are forever changed.Historical Novels Review

This is historical fiction that feels ripped from todays headlines . . . an engaging portrayal of love and survival in wartime.Debra Dean, best-selling author ofNew York TimesEditors ChoiceThe Madonnas of Leningrad

A thoroughly researched and sensitively written wartime drama. a compelling story, effectively told Kirkus

. . . amazing, heart-grabbing, and stunning . . .Readers Favorite, 5 STARS

Author Bio

Suzanne Parryis a former arms control negotiator turned historical novelist. She studied Russian in Moscow and worked for the US Department of Defense. While at the Pentagon, she helped negotiate the first international security agreement of the Gorbachev era. She has taught university, coached high school cross-country, and raised a large family. A dedicated runner, Suzanne lives on both coasts but calls Portland, Oregon, home.