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A review by bgg616
Bottled Goods by Sophie van Llewyn
5.0
This novel is the first by flash fiction author van Llewyn. I wasn't familiar with the genre but after reading this novel, I'm a fan. The story is set in Romania in the era of Ceausescu. It is the era of the Iron Curtain and a communist dictatorship. The mood of the novel is at times bleak. Alina is a teacher and is under investigation, and constant harassment, for allegedly not reporting who student who brought contraband to school. Her brother-in-law defects which causes further problems especially with her husband, Liviu. The atmosphere ranges from oppressive to magical. Romania is a country still full of folk traditions, and belief in spirits. Alina maintains a spirit that is remarkable considering her surroundings. Van Llewyn's simple prose is exquisite and made this book a marvel. Read this gem of a book!