Sunday, August 17, 2008

Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith

Library book
From the Cover: "Stalin's Soviet Union strives to be a paradise for its workers, providing for all of their needs. One of its fundamental pillars is that its citizens live free from the fear of ordinary crime and criminals.
But in this society, millions do live in fear ... of the State. Defending the system from its citizens is the MGB, the State Security Force. And no MGB officer is more courageous or idealistic than Leo Demidov whose only ambition has been to serve his country.
Then the impossible happens. A different kind of criminal - a murderer - is on the loose, killing children at will. At the same time, Leo finds himself demoted and denounced by his enemies, and every belief he's ever held shattered. The only way to save his life and the lives of his family is to uncover the criminal. But in a society that is officially paradise, its a crime against the State to suggest that a murderer - much less a serial killer - is in their midst. Exiled from his home, with only his wife remaining at his side, Leo must find and stop a criminal that the State won't admit even exists."
My thoughts: This was a great read, especially with the twist at the end! It was gruesome in places, specifically the descriptions of the murders. The paranoia described as a way of life in 1950s Russia made me thankful I live here.
4

1 comment:

Agnieszka Tatera said...

Sounds as a good reading. It's already on my BookMooch wishlist to get. But I have so little points still :/

Yes, as you may read above - I'm using BM :) My nickname is agatatera (Aga). So, if you will join you may add me to your friends already :)

I like it, but as I still have not so many books in English, it's difficult for me to build my inventory :/ So, also difficult to get points to change them for new books. But I'm working on it, slowly, but still...