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The Bronze Horseman Book Summary and Study Guide

Detailed plot synopsis reviews of The Bronze Horseman


Tatiana Metanova is a 17 year old native of Leningrad, where she lives with her family. On the Sunny, May Sunday that the Russian citizenry finds out about Hitler's German armies attacking Russia and the same day that her twin brother Pasha is sent away from the city for his own protection, Tatiana meets Alexander, a soldier, not knowing that they are tied together through her sister, Dasha. The novel moves through the story of the seige on Leningrad, which is one of starvation, death, and disease for the majority of the residents. This is the backdrop for the story of Alexander and Tatiana's growing feelings for one another in spite of all that stands against them, including her sister, his best friend, and Alexander's past.
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The review of this Book prepared by Antashuli




It is the second world war in communist Russia. The plot is centered around a seventeen year old girl who lives with her family in Leningrad at the time of the blockade of the town. She meets Alexander, a soldier who has escaped the NKGB and forged a false identity to protect himself. Yhe pair meet on the day of the war breaking out, and the pair fall in love. Alexander escorts Yatiana back to her house in the fifth soviet, where we find that Alexander is already seeing Tatiana's sister.
The review of this Book prepared by Corinne Redfern




Set in the Russian War, Tatiana and Alexander find each other and fall in love, not knowing that Tatiana's sister is already in love with Alexander. They have to hide their love for each other whilst trying to survive the harshness of the war and somehow find a way to live where they do not have to hide what they feel for each other from others.
The review of this Book prepared by naomi




Tatiana and Alexander meet on the day that war is announced and from that day forward their lives and the lives of the people around them are forever changed. Tatiana, innocent and naive discovers that love can be the beginning or the end for her. Alexander, with secrets and plans that are completely altered by a beautiful, young Russian girl eating ice cream on the day that war is declared. Their forbidden love is what makes them strive for survival in Russia during WWII.
The review of this Book prepared by Melanie




A story of an impossible love, set in World War Two during the Seige of Leningrad. Tatiana and Alexandra struggle to survive the war, Russia and each other.
The review of this Book prepared by Leah Kingi




What a beautiful story about true love, betrayal, and survival. Alexander loves Tatiana from the minute he sees her and she loves him but cannot have him. This book should become a movie only with a happy ending. I hope that there is another book coming that brings Alexander and Tania back together again. The best book I have ever read and it is by far my favorite.
The review of this Book prepared by Carol Cormany




This is a Russian lovestory that takes place during WWII. Alexander Belov and Tania will remain with you long after the last page as it tells the story of political intrigue, forbidden love, betrayel and sacrifice.
The review of this Book prepared by Elise




A depressingly encompassing tale of two lovers torn between life and love. Tatiana and Alexander's struggle for unity tugs profoundly on the heart strings with a beautiful blend of humor, sadness and a hunger for romance. A wonderfully written book that you will not be able to put down until the end, and even then you will be compelled to read it over and over again.
The review of this Book prepared by Kristin Anderson




The main characters are in love, yet unwilling to hurt others involved, i.e.,Tatia's sister. Their relationship survives the threat of jealous others, war, famine, separation and death.
The review of this Book prepared by Piper




A war time romance set in Leningrad, The Bronze Horseman is the story of Tatiana Metanova and her family. Tatiana meets a soldier one day, only to find out later that Alexander Belov is the soldier her older sister has fallen in love with. The story follows Tatiana and Alexander as they try to survive the trials of WWII, and their blossoming, forbidden love.
The review of this Book prepared by Nina





Paulina Simons
Morrow, Jun 2001, 26.95, 656 pp.
ISBN: 0060199261

    In 1941 Leningrad, Tatiana and Dasha Metanov are more than mere sisters; they are best friends. Though the city is not what it once was and poverty is rampant, the siblings are happy even though they are forced to share a bed in the family apartment. The overall good feelings of the Metanov brood changes to fear when Stalin's Foreign Minister Comrade Molotov announces the German invasion. Not just the Metanovs are scared, as the entire country knows how easily the blitzkrieg overwhelmed France.

    As the country readies for war, Tatiana meets Red Army first lieutenant Alexander Belov while she eats ice cream. Alexander and Tatiana begin to fall in love, but Dasha also finds herself dreaming about her sibling's soldier. Adding to a budding triangle is the deep secrets that Alexander has that could destroy everyone if revealed.

    THE BRONZE HORSEMAN is an invigorating and exciting World War II tale that feels more like Dr. Zhivago occurred at the onset of the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union. The romance with its betrayal and secrets is fun to read on its own account, but Paulina Simons book belongs to Leningrad and the dark era that is just beginning and so brilliantly described by a powerfully talented author.

Harriet Klausner

The review of this Book prepared by Harriet Klausner



Chapter Analysis of The Bronze Horseman

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Plot & Themes

Time/era of story    -   1930's-1950's Love Triangles/Polygons    -   Yes What kind:    -   one man--two sisters Action/suspense subplot?    -   Yes Action:    -   war bringing lovers together If one lover chases another...    -   they alternate

Main Male Character

Profession/status:    -   infantry soldier Age/status:    -   20's-30's Sex makes him    -   blissful    -   sensitive    -   a better lover

Main Female Character

Age/status:    -   a teen Effect of sexing    -   confident    -   a better lover    -   blissful    -   mature Unusual characteristics:    -   Very shy

Setting

Europe    -   Yes European country:    -   Eastern Europe Asia/Pacific    -   Yes Asian country:    -   Russia Misc setting    -   fort/military installation

Writing Style

Accounts of torture and death?    -   generic/vague references to death/punishment What % of story is romance related?    -   80% How explicit is the sex?    -   descript of kissing    -   touching of anatomy    -   impregnation/reproduction    -   actual description of sex    -   Boob talk    -   Weiner talk Focus of story    -   equally on him and her How much dialog    -   roughly even amounts of descript and dialog

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Paullina Simons Books Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
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