"A Single Desperate Prayer" by Ludmila Ritz unfolds the poignant narrative of Ludmila, a street-smart, 10-year-old girl navigating the harsh realities of 1990s Ukraine. Living in poverty with her younger sister Alyona and their troubled mother, Ludmila's life takes a tumultuous turn when the menacing Victor enters their fragile family and sets everything into chaos.
As their mother grapples with addiction, Ludmila assumes the role of protector, scavenging the impoverished city streets and abandoned buildings to ensure their survival. The narrative delves into Ludmila's determination to reunite with Alyona after social services separate them, leading her to make difficult choices for their well-being. Grab a copy for a thrilling story!
I love the narrative and how unique it is. One of the supporting characters I took note of was Ludmila's aunt. She provided intermittent refuge to Ludmila, constantly adding contrasting layers to the narrative with her own turbulent home life. Key scenes, such as Ludmila's initial search for sustenance and the heart-wrenching separation from Alyona, highlight her resilience and vulnerability, making her a character I constantly empathized with and rooted for.
The setting was well done as well, portraying the harsh realities of 1990s Ukraine—cramped communal apartments, thin walls, and government-run orphanages, which always complemented the overall theme and provided a good backdrop for Ludmila's tumultuous journey. The narrative skillfully weaves together intricate relationships, memorable scenes, and the challenging societal context, creating a powerful and immersive exploration of Ludmila's quest for survival, family, and hope.
Overall, the book is well-written, and the narrative is intriguing and captivating. I don't see anything to criticize about the book, except for several times when the narrative became quite prolonged and jarring. I guess it's because I read this book just after reading another one with a very fast pace, so that's what I was still accustomed to. I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars for the above reasons. I found no errors, and the editing quality is excellent. I highly recommend the book if you're looking for something amazing to read.
