Description

 A Bend in the Stars

 Set against the backdrop of war-torn Russia in the early 20th century, this tale weaves together the elements of an epic love story and a thrilling adventure. Meet Miri Abramov, a determined young doctor, and her brilliant scientist brother, Vanya. Raised by their wise and resourceful babushka, they have learned the art of survival in a world filled with danger and uncertainty. As tensions rise and the Czar’s army tightens its grip on the Jewish community, Miri and Vanya find themselves faced with an impossible decision that will shape their destiny.

Tragedy strikes when their parents meet a watery grave while attempting to escape to America. Left under the care of their matchmaker grandmother, Miri, and Vanya have been taught to be resilient and to always be prepared for the worst. But when war breaks out and Vanya mysteriously disappears, along with Miri’s fiancé, she goes on a perilous voyage to find them. With the threat of a firing squad looming over her, Miri’s determination knows no bounds as she braves the unknown in search of her loved ones.

As the dark shadow of an eclipse blankets the skies of Russia, Miri’s quest becomes even more urgent. Not only is she racing against time to reunite with her brother and fiancé, but the fate of scientific discovery hangs in the balance. In a race against the renowned physicist Einstein, Miri and Vanya find themselves on the brink of unraveling one of the greatest mysteries of the universe. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles that stand in their way and secure their family’s safety? The stakes are high, and the outcome will shape not only their own lives but the course of history itself.

Along their treacherous journey, Miri and Vanya encounter a cast of unforgettable characters, each with their secrets and motivations. From a charismatic Russian spy to a mysterious gypsy fortune teller, these individuals hold the key to unlocking the truth behind Vanya’s disappearance and the fate of their family. As Miri delves deeper into the world of espionage and scientific intrigue, she must navigate a web of lies and betrayal, unsure of who she can trust.

As the war rages on and the Russian Revolution looms, Miri and Vanya find themselves caught in the crossfire of political unrest. With the Bolsheviks gaining power and the Czar’s regime crumbling, Miri must make difficult choices that will not only determine her fate but also the future of her homeland. Will she align herself with the revolutionaries, risking everything for the promise of a better future? Or will she cling to the traditions and values of her Jewish heritage, even if it means facing persecution and exile?

As Miri’s love for her brother and fiancé deepens, she is forced to confront her desires and ambitions. Will she sacrifice her happiness for the greater good, or will she follow her heart and pursue a life of love and fulfillment? In a world torn apart by war and revolution, Miri must find the strength within herself to forge her path and defy the expectations placed upon her.

Set against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes and vivid historical detail, this epic tale explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of knowledge. As Miri and Vanya navigate the treacherous waters of war and political upheaval, they discover the power of resilience and the strength of family bonds. In a world filled with uncertainty, they must rely on their ingenuity and determination to shape their destiny and secure a future for themselves and their loved ones.

About The Author

Rachel Barenbaum:

 Rachel is not only a talented writer but also a highly regarded reviewer. Her literary prowess is evident in her second novel, ATOMIC ANNA, which has garnered critical acclaim. The New York Times Book Review praised the book, describing it as “masterfully plotted.” This accolade speaks volumes about Rachel’s ability to craft a compelling and intricately woven story that keeps your attention from start to finish. Meanwhile, the LA Review of Books hailed ATOMIC ANNA as “propulsive and intimate,” highlighting the book’s ability to engage readers on both an emotional and intellectual level. With such high praise for her second novel, it’s clear that Rachel’s writing skills are truly exceptional.

Before the success of ATOMIC ANNA, Rachel made a remarkable debut with her first novel, A BEND IN THE STARS. This story not only caught the attention of readers but also received recognition from prestigious publications. The New York Times selected A BEND IN THE STARS as a Summer Reading Selection, solidifying its status as a must-read book. Additionally, Barnes & Noble named it a Discover Great New Writers selection, further cementing Rachel’s talent as a rising star in the literary world. These accolades are a testament to Rachel’s ability to create compelling narratives that resonate with readers and leave a lasting impact.

Rachel’s literary expertise extends beyond her writing. She has also contributed to various publications, including Harper’s Bazaar and the LA Review of Books. Her insightful reviews and thought-provoking articles have garnered attention and respect within the literary community. Furthermore, Rachel’s passion for literature extends to her podcast, Check This Out, where she shares her recommendations and insights into the world of books. Sponsored by the Howe Library and A Mighty Blaze, the podcast serves as a platform for Rachel to engage with fellow book lovers and share her extensive knowledge and love for literature. With her impressive educational background, including degrees from Harvard in Business, Literature, and Philosophy, Rachel’s expertise and contributions to the literary world are truly remarkable. Additionally, her involvement as an elected Town Meeting Member in Brookline, MA, showcases her commitment to her community and her multifaceted approach to making a difference.

“A romantic adventure with a nearly dovetailed ending that will appeal to fans of Kristin Hannah and Pam Jenoff.”Booklist

“A riveting and deftly-plotted novel that leads us through the twisted labyrinths of Riga, hurtles us atop a pile of crates on a train rumbling toward Kiev, and illuminates how the violence of history and the thrill of scientific discovery unfold in startling simultaneity.”Ilana Kurshan, Sami Rohr Prize-winning author of If All The Seas Were Ink

“A sweeping epic that transports the reader into another era, even as the struggles of its characters feel powerfully modern and timely.”Madeline Miller, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Circe

“A Bend in the Stars is a vivid and wrenching debut, full not only of the darkness of history but also of hope—a literary saga for fans of The Invisible Bridge and All The Light We Cannot See. Love and war and relativity weave together seamlessly, and we’re left understanding that there’s more than one way for the universe to bend.”Rebecca Makkai, author of the National Book Award Finalist The Great Believers

“Heartpounding historical drama.”B&N Reads, Best Books of 2019 So Far

“A thrilling adventure.“NPR

“A thick, juicy novel packed with history, science, adventure, fully-realized characters, and a race to the 1914 solar eclipse.“Literary North

“Rachel Barenbaum’s beautiful historical novel A Bend in the Stars traces the paths of Russian siblings Miri, a doctor, and Vanya, an astronomer, as they crisscross the motherland during a WWI eclipse. If you love Russian novels, smart and elegant fiction, stories about love, war, & loyalty, this one’s for you.”Jenna Blum, New York Times bestselling author of Those Who Save Us, Stormchaser, and The Lost Family

“An epic adventure that spins through rich terrain; several engrossing love stories, including one between remarkable siblings; and a scientific intrigue that pits dark ambition against a passionate love of science…The characters Barenbaum brings to life demonstrate resilience in the face of prejudice, steadfastness in the face of defeat, and the ability to love even when the world has cracked with hate.“Los Angeles Review of Books

“A rousing debut…Fans of Kristen Hannah will enjoy Barenbaum’s exhilarating tale.”Publishers Weekly

“With the timelessness of a folk tale, the twists and turns of an adventure story, and the pleasures of a science thriller, A Bend in the Stars both fills the reader’s heart and keeps it beating fast. This novel’s strong gravitation pull draws you powerfully alongside Miri and Vanya in their harrowing quest, and its emotional payoff makes you never want to let them go.“Christopher Castellani, author of Leading Men

“Rachel Barenbaum’s A Bend in the Stars is a beautiful thrill ride steeped in the history of Czarist Russia, from its poverty-ridden shtetls to its roaring trains, and the awesome lure of science. This is a book of history rewritten, dreams realized, and justice served book about relativity, war, hatred, and the weight of our assumptions and our great loves.“Michelle Hoover, author of The Quickening

“Epic…Barenbaum carves a fresh story from some of the period’s most evocative and disturbing details.“New York Times

“This debut that will appeal to fans of All The Light We Cannot See is an epic love story and a tale of scientific discovery.”The Globe and Mail, Summer’s Best Reads

“Like the best historical fiction, Barenbaum’s novel not only shines a light on an overlooked historical moment but also provides a new lens through which to view our own time…A Bend in the Stars is a thrilling read that sends a chilling message as to how history could repeat itself if we don’t heed the lessons of the past.“New York Journal of Books

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