Vaclav and Lena by Haley Tanner

Vaclav and Lena

Haley Tanner

An engrossing story of two Russian Jewish immigrant children growing up in Brooklyn. The childish point of view makes the story both funny and moving and relieves the desperate sadness that lurks below the surface. A tale of secrets, friendship and love - I didn't want it to end!

Extract
EVIDENCE TO PARENTS OF THE TRUSTWORTHINESS OF VACLAV FOR PROMOTING PERMISSION TO PERFORM MAGIC SHOW ON THE BOARDWALK OF CONEY ISLAND:
1. Room Cleaning
2. Chore doing
3. Table setting
4. Homework finishing
5. Grade achieving
6. Extracurricular accomplishments
7. Devotion to career of magic

Vaclav replaces his pencil in his pencil cup, pleased for the moment with his list. He then pads gently to the bathroom to brush his teeth, careful not to wake his snoring mother and father.
Parallels
  • Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok
  • The Russian Debutante's Handbook by Gary Shteyngart