Natasha Velianiti is a famous Russian-American writer and the creator of the Russian nesting doll, nesting dolls that are increasingly popular in North America. The name of the doll is a reference to the nesting habit of the Russian people and how they often bury their dead loved ones in the grounds of their homes or put them in wooden crosses. Velianiti has been writing books about Russian culture for years and has become an accomplished and well-known Russian-American writer with many honors to her credit. However, her latest novel, Partner, set in a fictional national park in America during World War II, takes on a much more intriguing angle.
As the name suggests, Partner is a book about two lovers who get married in a white house in order to raise a family. They are chosen because their parents are of different nationalities – one American, one Russian. However, their marriage is not granted and the American partner becomes the sole family in the house. Everything begins smoothly until tragedy strikes. The American partner becomes suspicious when he learns that his wife has been having an affair with a local farmer. As the tension grows, so does the tension in the house as everyone tries to protect their only daughter from what seems like a death sentence.
Velianiti shows off her flair for creating historical fiction with her clever use of historical fact blended with a plot that will keep the reader riveted to the finish. The character’s age is never specified and age is used to great effect, especially by the way the Russian accent that is added helps to make everything just that much more authentic. Natasha Velianiti is not only a lover of history, but she is also a lover of life. Her prose will draw you into her story and make you want to explore all of the various details she includes in each scene. The layout of the book is not as expansive as other novels in the same genre, but it is rich with interesting details and captivating characters.