The Time of Women

More about the book

Set in mid-twentieth century Soviet Union, the story follows Antonina, an unwed mother navigating life in a communal apartment with her daughter, Suzanna. They share their space with three diverse elderly women: Glikeria, the daughter of former serfs; Ariadna, a French-speaking woman from a wealthy background; and Yevdokia, who is illiterate and resentful. Together, they bond over shared hardships and impart their rich historical experiences, secretly renaming Suzanna Sofia and teaching her about their tumultuous past, including the Revolution and World War II.