This is your book if you’re searching for a well-researched, but thrilling introduction to the World War II siege of Leningrad. The narrative is powered by the story of Zinochka who must travel back to Leningrad to sort out her past — powerful details from the siege reveal themselves as Zinochka travels through a dreamy landscape of old friends and lovers. This is a wonderfully paced, slender read peppered with elements of magical realism.