Book Review
Bottled Goods by Sophie van Llewyn

Alina’s brother-in-law defects to the West. The couple become persons of interest to the secret service and both of their careers come to a grinding halt.

Under the strain, Alina turns to her aunt – wife of a communist leader, and a secret practitioner of the old ways.

Set in Communist Romania, Bottled Goods sets out to explore the impact of government and control over the individual. Alina’s choices are hard, harder still because she is a woman at a time of social oppression and yet transition.

It was a fantastic, unexpected work of fiction, combining quality writing with the exhilarating Cold War drama. Can’t recommend enough!

Published by Fairlight Books, Bottled Goods is Long Listed for Women's Prize for Fiction 2019.

Reviewed by Kelsey Ward. 26 Mar, 2019

 

Back to reviewed book list page