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THE
NEW SWEET STYLE I took an interest in the Russian author Vassily Aksyonov for personal reasons -- my grandmother, who is in her late 80's, loves to talk about the old days. The families of both her parents were forced out of Russia at a time when the country was trying to purify their race -- they were half German, half Russian. When forced to leave they were given the choices of Germany, Canada or America. They considered Germany but decided to try Canada -- they end up in America. Of course later they breathed a sigh of relief at not choosing Germany because just after they emigrated to Canada, the Nazi Regime took over Germany. Now back to the book. The author Vassily wasn’t forced out for un-pure blood, he forced out of Russia after too many clashes with the government. After reading about him the only thing I found him guilty of was having a talent and using it to make a difference. I think we all know that any establishment, government or not, does not want their faults or wrong-doings pointed out… even if it is in the best interest of others. For those of us who have fought the good fight, it was most likely a small establishment or department we dealt with, but with Vassily it was a entire country -- I admire him. In my opinion, Russia’s loss is our gain. Vassily is a talented, skilled writer. The novel THE NEW SWEET STYLE starts when Alexander Korbach reaches America on August 10, 1982, it’s his 43rd birthday. Alexander Korbach isn’t his real name and he isn’t really Jewish. As a child he was known as Sasha Izhmailov. He was born and raised in Russia with his parents, a mother that loved him and a father who didn’t. He also has a younger brother and sister. He tells us of a family secret that came out when he noticed his grandmother would come bearing gifts for him only when his father left, and how she seemed to behave as if she had some sort of ownership over him. Now in America Alexander tries to make a life for himself as and singer and playwright. He meets and woman named Nora and finds himself in a relationship with her and New York City. THE NEW SWEET STYLE is a mature novel, in the sense that Vassily has his hero landing in New York, so we can expect the usual mature predicaments with the hero and those he comes in contact with. I found the presentation of the book different in that the narrator doesn't just talk to the the reader, he also directs him and points things out. Be ready for a factual, interesting, lengthy read. |