I requested to read this book because with the current political climate, Ukraine and its history is definitely an area I want to learn more about. This memoir tells the story of the author's childhood starting right from when he was abandoned as a baby by his mother. His childhood was a mishmash of time in an orphanage and foster homes. Vitaly did not fair much better in adulthood, and his story shows the hardships and his attempt to find strength in post-Communist Ukraine. While this book is by no means a feel good memoir, it is also not a tale of misery, Vitaly's resilience allows him to share his experiences in a non-judgemental and moving way. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more about this time period and location. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book.

There’s an especial poignancy in reading this book right now as war rages in Ukraine (June 2022) but it would make for poignant reading at any time. It’s the autobiography of Vitaly Magidov. Abandoned by his mother as soon as he was born, he was brought up in an orphanage and later in a foster family. At 18 he was left to make his own way in the world. It’s a vivid portrait of growing up in institutional care in Communist and later post-Communist Ukraine but in spite of the challenges and hardships Vitaly had to face, this is no misery memoir, but a clear-sighted and largely non-judgmental account of his life. Although he knew cruelty, neglect and abandonment, somehow he found the strength and faith to rise above it and enjoy the good times, finding joy in his friendships and successes. A selection of photos gives life to his story. The style is simple and plain and the narrative a moving one. Highly recommended.

I enjoyed reading this book, because it was not one of those "I grew up in an orphanage and it was hell" books, but it gave a good view of what it was like growing up as a young boy in an orphanage in Ukraine, with all the ups and downs, but showing that there is a lot of optimism even in a situation like this.

It is an interesting story, and written in a plain and simple way, and it draws the reader to continue reading to see what will happen next. Vitaly has lived an interesting life, and despite the hard luck he has had with his family, he still was optimistic and made the best out of every situation.