Paper Poppies: A Memoir

First published in Russia to critical acclaim, this eloquent and personal memoir by Marianna Vekhova describes the myriad of beliefs with which Russian people sought to fill their hungry souls during the communist years. Her journey represents millions of Russians today, many of whom are orphans like Marianna.

The story starts on a dark night when Marianna, crippled with spinal TB, lies strapped to a hospital bed in Siberia. A captive of pain, loneliness and fear, she embarks on a search for...