Ruth Freeman Soloman's novel is well worth checking out. The historical setting of Czarist Russia in the late 1800's comes alive in this episodic tale of the Von Glasman family. The issues of the status of Jews in Russia gives the tale significance and depth. During the rumblings of the coming communist revolution, there was political intrigue with Rasputin and an anti-Semetic mood in Russia. The Christian Church and the struggle of the rabbis during this period come alive in the supporting characters. Ronya Von Glassman is the heir of a wealthy Jewish family with cultivated political influence. She marries Boris Pirov, the blond strapping Tartar who swashbuckles through the novel. Their passionate married life results a family of two sons with Boris' illegitimate son called "The Blond One" from a fling with the Tamara, the Queen of the Gypsies. Son Igor goes to Manchuria for several chapters; and the Russian role in that Chinese province is the backdrop for more of the story. This long epic tale moves well and has you constantly reaching to find out what happens next. The characters come alive and stay with you, long after they've headed for San Francisco. I had a great time with this book. It's well with searching out!