Book: The Impossible Journey (2004)
Author: Gloria Whelan
Genre: MG, Historical (Soviet Union 1934)
Rating: 4 Stars
Basic plot: Marya and Georgi want nothing more than to be reunited with their parents who have been taken during one of Stalin’s purges. The two determined children set out on an impossible journey across Russia towards a remote village in Siberia with the slight hope that they will find their mother there. (A companion book to Angel on the Square.)
WHAT’S COOL…
1) I read Angel on the Square a long time ago. (Hint: It’s about Marya’s and Georgi’s mother.) I didn’t know this book existed until now! I like that it’s not a direct “sequel”, but that it does give us another peek into the lives of the characters from the first book. (Note: You can also read this book without having read Angel.)
2) The sibling relationship between Marya and Georgi is both realistic and sweet. He’s the typical younger brother who frustrates Marya. And yet she can’t leave him behind!
3) I love the look at the different families in this book. The book is about two children seeking to reunite their own split-apart family. Then there’s the neighbor family (with the bear) who initially take them in…. The doctor’s family on the train… And the “big family” of the Samoyeds (nomadic tribe).
4) The history of the time period of this book has always fascinated me. I thought Whelan did a good job in depicting the hardships of living under Stalin. One of my favourite parts was when Marya meets the Government Man and is forced to sing the praises of Stalin. (And how Georgi almost sabotages her plan!)
5) I really enjoyed learning about the Samoyeds (nomads who lived in Russia/Siberia at this time). I liked the interaction they had with the children, especially with regards to Georgi’s snow globe. I really liked how Marya and Georgi are not only helped by them, but also end up helping them in return.
WHAT’S NOT COOL…
1) I found it hard to understand Marya’s impulsive nature, especially with regard to showing off her mother’s locket. (I suppose you could argue that it’s still only 1934 and she doesn’t yet know the danger of such items. The height of Stalin’s purges doesn’t happen until 1938.) Not a major criticism as the episode does show how school was a place where information was gleaned about parents.
2) In the very end, there is (what I’d consider) an unnecessary death. Certainly it’s realistic, but it didn’t seem to be absolutely necessary to the book.
FINAL THOUGHTS
My rating is 4 Stars (out of 5) – This book gives a good sense of this oppressive time period in history. I’d definitely recommend for anybody who likes history as well as those who like plucky-children-who-take-impossible-journeys stories.
YOUR TURN…
Have you read this book? What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Note: I’m posting this for Greg Pattridge’s Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday…
I enjoy series of this type where each one focuses on different characters or family members. Middle grade kids would not know much about the time period so the book would open their eyes. Great possibilities for discussion. I’ll be looking for this one on my next library trip.
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Agreed! And I just found out that there’s a third book in the series that takes place during WWII. Again, written back in the early 2000s. How did I miss these books!
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I think this book would interest me as I love reading anything about the Russian Revolution. Interesting! A story from a child’s perspective would make it relatable. You might also enjoy a YA trilogy by Shelly Sanders (Rachel’s Secret, Rachel’s Promise, Rachel’s Hope) set in pre-revolutionary Russia and the murder of Russian Jews in 1903 — the trilogy is based on Shelly’s grandmother’s journey. I also enjoyed reading in college an autobiography about Stalin’s daughter — Svetlana Alliluyeva. I believe it was called Twenty Letters. She wrote many memoirs.
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Those books do sound good. I’ll see if I can get my hands on them. And I would be very interested in reading a book by Stalin’s daughter. I know a little about her history. Now I’ve got to find this book!
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Sounds like a great story about a really interesting time in history. I might like this. Thanks!
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This sounds like a great novel! It’s terrifying to think about what people in Russia at that time had to go through, but it sounds like this book makes such an unpleasant subject enjoyable to read about. Thanks so much for the review!
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I don’t think I’ve seen any other kid’s books that cover this time and place. How fun to find a sequel to a book like this. Thanks for telling me about it.
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We need more books that can take us back to some historical events not usually written about. This sounds like a great choice – thanks for sharing your thoughts and letting us know about this book.
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I love historical fiction, and this book sounds like one I will want to read soon. Thank you for sharing this one with us for MMGM.
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