From the Back Cover
A unique and moving account of life in Russia before, during and immediately after the Revolution, The House by the Dvina is the fascinating story of two families, separated in culture and geography, but bound together by a Russian-Scottish marriage. It includes episodes as romantic and dramatic as any in fiction: the purchase by the author's great-grandfather of a peasant girl with whom he had fallen in love; the desperate journey by sledge in the depths of winter made by her grandmother to intercede with Tsar Aleksandr II for her husband; and the extraordinary courtship of her parents. Eugenie Fraser herself was brought up in Russia but was taken on visits to Scotland. She marvellously evokes the reactions of a child to two different environments, sets of customs and family backgrounds.
With the events of 1914 to 1920 - the war with Germany, the Revolution, the murder of the Tsar, the withdrawal of the Allied Intervention in the north - came the disintegration of the country and of family life. The stark realities of hunger, deprivation and fear are sharply contrasted with the day-to-day experiences, joys, frustrations and adventures of childhood. The reader shares the family's suspense and concern about the fates of its members, and relives with Eugenie her final escape to Scotland.

I have intended to read this for many years. I now have two copies, so setting this one free.

(Update after reading other copy of book) - This book was a complete delight to read. I had intended to read it for about 20 years and am so glad that I finally got round to it. Fraser's description of her privileged childhood in Archangel, Russia, before and during the Revolution, is packed with fascinating detail. Absolutely wonderful book.
This book was quite well known in Scotland after publication but is probably not known to the new generation of readers. Fraser died about five years ago in Edinburgh, where she had spent the latter part of her life.

Caught at Meet-up. Thank you!

It was interesting to read about a place and a time that feels so far removed from modern day. I was sad it ended at 1920, I wish I could have read more.

Picked up at meetup after a glorious description by Triggerfish

A really sweet, and very sad book. The plight of her poor family after the revolution caught my imagination. It must have been an absolutely horrendous time, especially have having such a privilged life up until then.

RELEASE NOTES:

To be released at meetup

Caught at the Edinburgh meetup. Thank you.

To be read. Caught at meetup.