Snegurochka by Judith Heneghan

Something terrible is happening here. Something terrible has already happened.

Snegurochka opens in Kiev in 1992, one year after Ukraine's declaration of independence. Rachel, a troubled young English mother, joins her journalist husband on his first foreign posting in the city. Terrified of their apartment's balcony with its view of the Motherland statue she develops obsessive rituals to keep her three-month old baby safe. Her difficulties expose her to a disturbing endgame between Elena Vasilyevna, the old caretaker, and Mykola Sirko, a shady businessman who sends Rachel a gift. Rachel is the interloper, ignorant, isolated, yet also culpable with her secrets and her estrangements. As consequences bear down she seeks out Zoya, her husband's caustic-tongued fixer, and Stepan, the boy from upstairs who watches them all.

Betrayal is everywhere and home is uncertain, but in the end there are many ways to be a mother.

What's it about?

A new mother wrestles with her mental health in Independent Ukraine, trying to negotiate her way around a country she doesn't understand which operates in a language she doesn't speak.

What is it?

A claustrophobic account of new motherhood. A closely observed portrayal of the expat experience.

What isn't it?

A book to immerse you in a foreign place and time. The setting is lightly worn, and the story keeps the focus on Rachel.

Why do you recommend it?

Because I loved the writing. Because I loved the setting (and would have liked to see more of it!). Because it's set in Ukraine and I am biased.

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