American Ending

by Mary Kay Zuravleff
American Ending cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 7374
  • Added: 2025-12-14
  • Updated: 2025-12-14
  • ISBN: 9781949467994
  • Publisher: Blair
  • Published: 2023-06-06
  • Reviews: 3

Yelena, a young woman growing up in a family of Russian immigrants in early 20th-century Pennsylvania, dreams of a thoroughly American life. Her parents, Old Believer Russian Orthodox immigrants, left their older daughters behind to build a new life in a coal-mining town filled with Russian transplants. Yelena's journey is one of self-discovery and cultural assimilation, as she navigates the complexities of love and identity in a new world. The novel weaves Russian fairy tales and fables into a rich family saga, exploring the immigrant experience and the search for happiness in a foreign land. /n/n Yelena's life takes a dramatic turn when she meets Viktor Gomelekoff, a man who seems to share her yearnings for a better life. However, her choice to be with Viktor comes at a cost, forever changing her path. The narrative delves into the struggles and triumphs of immigrants striving to create their own stories within the American landscape, highlighting the timeless themes of transformation and belonging.

Reviews
Read Her Like an Open Book · Mary Kay Zuravleff · 2023-11-08
poignant 4.50

The author's personal connection to the story adds depth and authenticity. The novel is a poignant exploration of family, identity, and the American dream.

In this review, the author shares her personal inspiration behind the novel, which adds a layer of authenticity and emotional depth. The story is praised for its poignant exploration of family dynamics, identity, and the complexities of the American dream. The reviewer appreciates the historical context and the way the narrative weaves together different elements to create a rich and engaging story. The novel is seen as a timely and relevant exploration of immigrant experiences.

Quick quotes

    The novel is a deeply personal exploration of family and identity.

    Zuravleff's writing is both poignant and evocative, capturing the essence of the immigrant experience.

    A timely and relevant exploration of the challenges faced by immigrants.

Historical Novel Society · 2023-07-20
engaging 4.00

The novel is commended for its historical accuracy and engaging narrative. The challenges faced by immigrants are depicted with sensitivity and depth.

The Historical Novel Society highlights the novel's historical accuracy and engaging narrative. The reviewer appreciates the sensitive and deep portrayal of the challenges faced by immigrants, which resonates strongly with contemporary issues. The novel is praised for its rich character development and the way it weaves together different elements to create a compelling story. The reviewer also notes the timeless relevance of the themes explored in the novel.

Quick quotes

    A beautifully crafted novel that captures the essence of the immigrant experience.

    The historical accuracy and engaging narrative make this a standout novel.

    The challenges faced by immigrants are depicted with sensitivity and depth.

Goodreads · 2023-06-06
heartfelt 4.20

The novel is praised for its rich storytelling and emotional depth, capturing the immigrant experience with authenticity. The intertwining of Russian fairy tales adds a unique layer to the narrative.

Readers on Goodreads have highlighted the emotional resonance and authenticity of the immigrant experience depicted in the novel. The use of Russian fairy tales is seen as a creative and effective way to enrich the storytelling. The characters are well-developed, and the historical context is vividly brought to life. Some readers noted that the pacing could be improved, but overall, the novel is celebrated for its heartfelt and engaging narrative.

Quick quotes

    A beautifully written novel that captures the essence of the immigrant experience.

    The intertwining of Russian fairy tales adds a magical touch to the story.

    The characters are so real and relatable, making the story even more compelling.

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