This was my first venture into “flash fiction” and because of this book, it won’t be my last! Flash fiction is a type of short story that is typically under 1500 words. It has plot and character development, despite how quick of a read it is. In her novel, Sophie van Llewyn actually incorporated a few of her flash fiction stories into this longer form story. It made for an insightful read about Alina, a teacher living under the communist dictatorship of 1970’s Romania. When her brother-in-law defects and flees the country, Alina and her husband are placed under suspicion and surveillance by The Secret Service. Despite its heavy subject matter, this book had heart, humor, and some magical realism that added in something extra special. Coming in at under 200 pages, this one can be easily read in one afternoon. I flew through it, and hope you’ll enjoy it too!