Book Review & Giveaway: Stolen Journeys by Sylvia Atipova

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Review by Suze

Pippa's life is slowly turning into a nightmare. She has a nice shop in London, but it's hard to keep it going because her mother is so ill. She needs more and more care and Pippa isn't able to cope with it all. Because she doesn't want to send her mother to a home Pippa is spending every free hour she has at home. When just before Christmas someone steals an expensive dress from her shop it's the last straw. She wants to find the person who's done this to her and she wants the thief to be punished. 

Yana hasn't had an easy life. Because of cerebral palsy she's in a wheelchair. She's missed so many things that are normal for other people. She works as a translator as that's something she can do from home. Her brother Stanislav is very bright and has been offered to do his PhD in London and he takes his sister with him. They move from Bulgaria to Uxbridge which is a huge change for both of them. Yana can't leave their apartment on her own. It isn't a very nice place, but when she makes contact with one of her neighbors her life suddenly becomes more active. Is life in London what they hoped it would be or is it a disappointment for Yana and Stanislav? 

Stolen Journey's is a book with two stories and I knew there would be a connection eventually, but I didn't know how that was going to happen. I quite liked that aspect. Yana is such a beautiful woman and she's brave as well. At first life in Uxbridge is really hard for her because she can't go anywhere on her own, but soon she finds kind and loving friendship. Stanislav is obsessed with his research and he forgets to enjoy his life. I could totally imagine him being so fascinated by something that it's all-consuming. He's that kind of person. Sylvia Atipova is great at describing her characters and I felt like I knew them. 

Pippa does a lot of introspection. She knows both her strong and her weak points. I liked that about her. She's sometimes too hard on herself and she could have used a friend. Life isn't always like that though and I think her situation was described in such a heartfelt and realistic way. I wanted her to have a happy life, but with a mother so ill it was quite a struggle. I think Sylvia Atipova has written about dementia beautifully, with much care and empathy. Illness is something that plays an important part in both stories, but they never become too heavy or totally focused on the health problems. I had no difficulties switching between the two stories and was equally curious about what would happen next in all of the main character's lives. 

Sylvia Atipova is a great writer. She knows how to tell a story. This book has an unusual international mix of characters which I liked a lot. I love it when a story is original. The topics might be heavy, but I didn't find this a difficult read at all, I actually really enjoyed reading the story and can't praise the author enough. I highly recommend this wonderful book, it's an amazing read.

Giveaway

One lucky reader of my blog will receive a kindle copy of Stolen Journeys together with a beautiful pouch (made byAnila-Chan) that matches the cover of the book. Good luck!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I will contact the winner via email. If I don't get a reply within 60 hours the prize will go to someone else. All of my giveaways are international, you can find the official rules here.