Midnight in St. Petersburg by Vanora Bennett

This is a story of a young woman, who flees pogroms of the southern Russia to take refuge with distant relatives in St. Petersburg in 1911. The turbulent times of Russian history are skillfully weaved into the story. 

In St. Petersburg, she is apprenticed into violin-making workshop. As a player of violin, she also displays love for making the instrument. That deep connection for the birth of each instrument and the first sound is beautifully presented.

In her new destined city, she meets an Englishman, an artist who makes precious Faberge creations. Maybe it’s the love of art that connects them on a deeper level.

I didn’t enjoy the love triangle part, which for me weakened the plot. The story would have been much stronger without it. Nevertheless, overall it is a very engaging and well-written story.

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