Paper Poppies

First published in Russia to critical acclaim, this eloquent and personal memoir by Marianna Vekhova describes the myriad of beliefs with which Russian people sought to fill their hungry souls during the Communist years. Her journey represents millions of Russians today, many of whom are orphans like Marianna.

The story starts on a dark night when young Marianna, a victim of spinal TB, lies strapped to a hospital bed in Siberia. A captive of pain, loneliness and fear, she embarks on a search for truth and hope. The story follows interweaving strands of Marianna's spiritual quests and discoveries, growing up amid the influences of Soviet atheism, the ascendancy of natural sciences, the folklore and superstitions of old Russia, the Jewish traditions of her father's family, the Orthodox traditions of her mother's family, and finally, the brave witness of one faithful Christian believer.

This book is for those interested in Russia, World War II, and the intersection of Russian/German/Jewish/Christian history. This memoir will allow the reader to enter the soul of that experience like no other.

This English version was translated from the Russian by Natalia Klukovkina.