Child 44

Tom Rob Smith
Grand Central Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9780446402385
Reviewed by Danielle Feliciano for Reader Views (5/08)


“Child 44” is a stunning debut by author Tom Rob Smith that takes us into the world of Stalin’s Soviet Union.  Smith flawlessly recreates Stalin’s world, making the reader feel the same hunger, coldness, fear and paranoia that the citizens of this time-period felt.  He takes his time creating this world, clearly and carefully choosing each word he uses to describe what is going on.

Opening with a haunting tale of two brothers scavenging for food, Smith takes us into 1950s Moscow and into the life of Leo Demidov, an MGB officer.  The MGB’s sole purpose is to protect the system and to be sure all citizens are acting in accordance with the rules.  There is to be no crime, no hunger and no need in this world.  Daily life is full of double-speak to cover up the truth.  The MGB buries anything that could be seen as negative and makes sure the citizens understand how they are to act. Leo lives life by the rules and strives to make sure his wife and parents are provided for.

The system is shaken with the appearance of the work of a serial killer.  At first, Leo goes along with the party line that the child in question was not murdered, but quickly sees that the facts do not add up.  He is uncomfortable but doe not waver on his decision regarding an investigation into the matter.

Soon, Leo is demoted as the result of a jealous rival’s sabotage.  He sees his chance to redeem himself once it becomes clear that there is a killer amongst them, no matter how hard the system tries to hide it.  He knows his time is limited and it won’t be long before the other shoe drops from the MGB. He is determined to do one last good deed before this happens.

It is unspeakable the things this society goes through, and uplifting to see Leo’s awakening to what is happening around him.  In a world that strives to eliminate individuality and embraces conformity, Leo finds a way to fight through and find the parts of his self that he lost.  Powerful, compelling and raw, “Child 44” is a book not to be missed out on.

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