The Betrayal by Helen Dunmore

Set in 1950s Russia this novel follows a paediatric doctor, his wife and her younger brother who all live together in Leningrad. I enjoyed reading about this period in Russian history and the very real struggles which were going on for ordinary people as well as the Stalinist regime. The characters are very likeable although a bit one dimensional. The plot is fairly gentle but that gives the writer the space to explore the daily lives of the doctor and his wife. I enjoyed this novel and it's a good, interesting read but it's not the most powerful book I've ever read.