Owen Jones (8) (1954–)

Books have to do with content that potentially enriches mind and soul of the people who read, and allows them to connect with the author and other persons in many diverse ways - which is more important, and the core and the gift that a book can bring. This is achieved by respecting very unique ways - the author's voice, for instance. No matter the book, style is that particular way to say things, from a very unique perspective, even across languages.
I have to tell you that I felt an unavoidable 'thirst' to keep reading until the end, and it has been too long for me without such sensation coming from a book! I 'drank' this story sooner than expected!… (more)

The beginning of the book is in the voice of an old man who knows his time on this earth is short--and he wants to get this story told. If you have ever been in the company of an octogenarian you will be smiling at the back and forth way he speaks--forgetting then remembering--but bound and determined to get his own way! He ultimately decides that since he is having so much trouble focusing and he knows that he could never write the whole down in time--he uses a dictaphone.

I defy you to pick up this book and be able to put it down. This story is based on a true story told to the author by a protagonist in the story (the author tells you all about this after the book ends)and what happens to Youriko, which is not her real name, but one she chose, will stagger your imagination. It all starts in the USSR--when the KGB was feared and rightfully so.

One thing is for certain, Youriko was not a cuckoo--far from it!!… (more)