This is one of the more confusing books I’ve read lately, especially since I know very little of the Balkan wars or the history of the Soviet Union. You’ll definitely have an easier time grasping the context, and consequences, around the characters if you do know this historical background though as much as the story is centred in political activity, it’s really a very curious story about two individuals who are romantically involved.

I was very intrigued by the mystery from the blurb (who are these two people? What caused the crash? What was this kiss?). And thoroughly confused all the way through! I think this is one that would benefit from multiple readings because even if you know the history, there are so many perspectives and constant jumping around in time (sometimes with no indication of a jump) that it’s a lot of information to keep straight. My main question at the end was what does any of it mean? While I wish some of the perspectives and timelines could’ve been marked more clearly, it was still an interesting tale.