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Tolstoy’s Beard

Author(s): Susana Cory-Wright

Location(s): Russia

Genre(s): Historical, Fiction

Era(s): 20th Century

Russia is on the brink of civil war, the Tolstoy household is in turmoil and despite a promise to relocate to Moscow from the country, the move has not brought harmony. Sixteen-year-old Tatiana observes the warzone of her parents’ marriage – her father’s increasingly erratic behaviour and her mother’s obsession with a stranger – while on the threshold of a new life and love of her own. When Tolstoy introduces the famous, if radical Ukrainian Ilya Repin to teach Tatiana painting, Tatiana is forced to reassess everything she holds dear.
This is a rite-of-passage novel and a compelling tale of marital strife, of frustration in genius, of political upheaval, the eternal quest for love and recognition, and ultimately the strength and power of family. But can Tatiana avoid the pitfalls of her parent’s unhappy union and still preserve her ambition to be an artist? When the time comes to leave, will she have the courage to do so? When Tolstoy’s beard grows so long, will they, at last, be able to return to the home they love?

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