The most intriguing puzzle in the world is the journey of human life. The author lets readers solve many puzzles for themselves by introducing different characters in the process of navigating through entertaining and captivating plots. These stories, gracefully illustrated by the author, make it clear that virtues, vices, sadness, and silliness are universal features regardless of language, geography, and the century during which one lives.

These lively and stirring multigenerational tales of two families bring us from czarist times in Russia, take in the whole breadth of Russia from Moscow to Shikotan Island and, after an abbreviated sojourn in Europe, finally settle us in the present-day hills and valleys of New Hampshire. The use of "us" is intentional, for the author's style--her inspiring faith, understated humor, and unerring kindness shine through on every page--welcomes readers into this singular family home.

--G. John Champoux, translator of works of several leading French philosophers and author of The Way to Our Heavenly Father (Kettering, OH: Semantron, 2013), a book of commentaries and meditations on the Lord's Prayer