Young Stalin in London in 1907, still with a heart, and the magnetic, legendary figures surrounding him. This short novel fizzes with politics, spying and sexual attraction. It’s direct and pacy and so believable it’s exhilarating, even in the bits you know must be invented.
‘I’m Polish but because I didn’t agree with him on the future of Poland, I had to be a traitor. Honestly, Elli, I sometimes think men are too emotional and too lacking intellectual rigour to be trusted with leadership.’
Elli looks at her steadily. Even jokes about such things are dangerous. Careless talk can cost you – and your friends – everything. Ellie is sure Rosa knows this. Is sure she is testing her somehow.
