1After an early career amongst the political elite of Cold War Russia, Alexander Ivanov has built a successful business in the States. For 40 years, he has buried the tragic memories surrounding his charismatic late wife, Katya--or so he believes. For into his life come two women--one who will open up the heart he has protected for so long; another who is determined to uncover what really happened to Katya so long ago. The novel's journey back to the snowbound streets of post-Stalinist Moscow reveals a world of secrets and treachery. Shamim Sarif's elegant writing delicately evokes the intensity of passionate love and tragic violence.