This is one of those rag-to-riches, against-all-odds book. Whilst I am happy for her success and wishing her the best for the future, I believe that the way she conveys her characters are rather two-dimensional-ish or stiff. I do not mind if the pace could be quickened up or the flow been made more fluid. It meant to be a delightful book to read but then again, I found the reading experience overbearing. Perhaps, I have too high of an expectation for this book.

Pantaeva's book was interesting in that it showed the struggle of a young girl -- interested in theatre, dancing, the arts, and fashion -- living in a communist country. She faces many challenges in her journey from Siberia to France to America. Personally, her writing style was too flowery for my taste. Way too many adjectives and overstatements. I recently began reading a book by Daniel Woodrell. He has the gift of turning the simplest of statements into a creative and unanticipated string of words.

That is a very beautifull book which reflects all the hard work which has been paid off. Once again it is something awesome, really. I found this book amazing and attractive, just like the author. My main point is that we have to be very thankful to such kind of people like Irina. I am very proud of my nation, my Buryat people.