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Nov 26, 2019JCLKariE rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This meticulously researched, superb historical fiction captivates from start the finish. The various points of view make this story come alive. We follow the girls in the CIA's typing pool, including the new Russian girl, Irina, and the obviously-not-just-a-receptionist, Sally. During the Cold War, the CIA uses popular literature to change the hearts of minds of those stuck behind the Iron Curtain. After hearing rumors of Dr. Zhivago, the Agency obtains copies of the novel and distributes it in Russia. The hows of why of this distribution were thoroughly engaging. The women behind the scenes were essential to all operations; but were relegated to making coffee, typing up the notes and forgetting what they read. Two new girls to the typing pool get additional assignments which require them to play the part of letter carrier and seductress to get what the Agency needs. The Eastern section of the novel follows Olga, the muse for Lara, and Boris Pasternak, the great Russian poet and author. Olga survives the gulag, helps Boris finish Zhivago, and tries to smooth their way through Soviet censorship. The back-and-forth of the East and West sections keep you on the edge of your seat. Now I'm off to watch Dr. Zhivago again!