the betrayal by helen dunmore

i am still reading this one, so i don't know if it will maintain its hold on me, but i find it very difficult to put it down, even though there is a pervasive atmosphere of nervous dread. it takes place in stalinist russia in the early 1950's and concerns a young doctor who treats the son of a powerful secret police officer. it was shortlisted for the mann booker, and it is so much better than the finkler question which won. will let you all know how it finishes--but right now i say it's absolutely worth reading!

laura