a chronological, political and social drama running parallel with a rapid coming of age in an unknown world. In between is a history of a tiny country and its people, lessons learned and family remembered.

"Pavel manages, from her present and sophisticated vantage, to evoke the innocence of youth."

-Nicholas Delbanco, author of Why Writing Matters

"Stories that are at turns funny and poignant, sometimes at the same time, and always memorable."

-Emma Hamilton, Professor of Literature, Stony Brook

"Steeped in compassion and grace."

-Mark Hummel, author of Man, Underground