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Publication Date: October 10, 2023
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Genre: Nonfiction
ISBN: 978-1-63988-992-1
List Price: $17.99 trade paperback
Page Count: 168
Distribution: Ingram
Grunfeld’s deeply felt novel is an ode to courage, determination, and the transformative power of human resilience, taking readers on a young woman’s journey to contentment. Aliya Karimov, 15 when Russian forces invaded Crimea in 2014, witnessed the atrocities first-hand. She left her homeland against her mother’s wishes and went to Poland, working as a concierge in Zamość. There she met psychoanalyst Dr. Nicholas Von Ryan before eventually meeting him again at his New York office and began a journey of self-discovery and self-realization. Grunfeld offers readers an education in Crimea history, the Tatar people, and their struggle against the Russian invasion throughout this heartfelt coming-of-age drama. Told in Dr. Ryan’s first-person voice, the narrative delves into Aliya’s story, providing rich emotional insights layered with thoughtful explorations of the intersectionalities around trauma, war, and human angst. The pacing is measured, and Aliya’s emotional growth—from someone who is struggling with PTSD, trauma, and uncertainties to someone who is ready to confront her inner turmoil and forge a path toward a fulfilling life—is well realized. The straightforward language and strong imagery will appeal to readers who enjoy poignant historical dramas. An empowering coming-of-age story with genuine character growth.
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