Russian Dance: A True Story of Intrigue and Passion in Stalinist Moscow

This is a beautiful but haunting true story about a romance that occurred between two people during a difficult time in history. There is also a lot to learn in this book about Stalinist Russia and the emerging Communist party, and how it drastically altered the lives of people in that era. I highly recommend reading this book, especially if you are a Russian history buff.

Having thoroughly enjoyed Brooks' biography of Donna Gracia Nasi (THE WOMAN WHO DEFIED KINGS), I was looking forward to her new book very much. I was not disappointed - this is a terrific read, full of historical details, romance, suspense, irony, real tragedy, and all carried off by Brooks with intelligence, wit and style. I cannot recommend this book too highly!!!!

Andree Brooks has created a fascinating book. Her observations about people and human nature are alarmingly astute. She teaches about a little-known, but important, period in history, but she does not lecture the reader who is far too engrossed in the tragic relationship of Marc and Bluett to realize that he/she has learned something along the way. This is a book that you will gobble up in one sitting (not often said about a book drenched with history) -- and will linger with you for days to come.

Author Andree Aelion Brooks renders the story of Bluet Rabinoff and Marc Cheftel so compellingly that one is tempted to read the book in one sitting -- not only to find out what happens next in this story of a great love, but also to appreciate the meticulously researched details of a turbulent era in world history. Whether the setting is the opulent world of the arts that Bluet inhabits in New York City in the late 1920s, or the day-to-day bleak subsistence and terror of Stalinist Moscow in 1931, Brooks creates a sense of immediacy and urgency -- a true "you are there" quality. In addition to chronicling the joys and perils of a great passion between two unique people, the book also serves as a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of idealogy and nation-building. Moreover, it makes clear how historical events affect the most personal of issues: love, friendship, parenthood, loyalty. In sum, an excellent book, well worth reading.