Just from this glimpse, and being from the former Soviet Union, I understand what an extraordinary life Valentina had lived. Tragic - for sure. But also, being allowed to marry a foreigner and leave Stalin's Russia was extremely rare and fortunate - she could have easily been sent to Gulag for this relationship. She must have been a force of nature!
I didn’t realize it was that dangerous for her to marry a foreigner. But that also makes the mystery of her life even more fascinating, and why I feel like I have to find out more about who she was and her family.
Thanks for this great read and for sharing. What you describe is very similar to my experience in unearthing my own Russian family's story several generations back, before I wrote a book about them. It is such an incredible feeling yo get an insight into out family's past, this brings us closer to understanding them - and ourselves. I am glad things worked out for you. Best wishes.
Thank you. I have to admit researching Russian genealogy isn't always easy. But when you come across clues like this, it's like a force you can't control. You have to follow it wherever it takes you. I love that you also write a book about your Russian family's story.
Thank you! Yes, exactly, a force one can't control. I have tried to write about it too on Substack - you are welcome to have a look :-) The book was quite an effort, turned out to be be a biggie, phew! As I started all the way back in 1880 ... was quite a sweat to dig my way into those historical depths. But now it is done. Just for info: it is called "Roots in a Handbag - the Stories of Maria and Olga" and it is available on Amazon, also in Kindle format.
Just from this glimpse, and being from the former Soviet Union, I understand what an extraordinary life Valentina had lived. Tragic - for sure. But also, being allowed to marry a foreigner and leave Stalin's Russia was extremely rare and fortunate - she could have easily been sent to Gulag for this relationship. She must have been a force of nature!
I didn’t realize it was that dangerous for her to marry a foreigner. But that also makes the mystery of her life even more fascinating, and why I feel like I have to find out more about who she was and her family.
Thanks for this great read and for sharing. What you describe is very similar to my experience in unearthing my own Russian family's story several generations back, before I wrote a book about them. It is such an incredible feeling yo get an insight into out family's past, this brings us closer to understanding them - and ourselves. I am glad things worked out for you. Best wishes.
Thank you. I have to admit researching Russian genealogy isn't always easy. But when you come across clues like this, it's like a force you can't control. You have to follow it wherever it takes you. I love that you also write a book about your Russian family's story.
Thank you! Yes, exactly, a force one can't control. I have tried to write about it too on Substack - you are welcome to have a look :-) The book was quite an effort, turned out to be be a biggie, phew! As I started all the way back in 1880 ... was quite a sweat to dig my way into those historical depths. But now it is done. Just for info: it is called "Roots in a Handbag - the Stories of Maria and Olga" and it is available on Amazon, also in Kindle format.
The unfurling layers of your family story are fascinating! Looking forward to more.
Thank you so much. I glad you are enjoying reading about my family. I love sharing these stories,