A Waltz with Traitors by A.L. SowardsMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Most people think of the Russian Civil War in terms of battles between Reds (Bolsheviks) and Whites (the deposed upper classes). In fact, though, there were many different factions, not only of Russians but also of soldiers from other countries who ended up in Russia in 1917 – 1921. One group that had a particularly complex time there was the Czech Legion, and this is one of the few novels that tackles their story. It tells it through the eyes of a young woman from a rich family (Nadia) who is fleeing from the Bolsheviks and ends up being protected by the Czech Legion, thanks largely to a handsome Czech soldier (Filip) who chivalrously offers her a sham marriage so she can escape on a Czech-controlled train.
The Czechs wanted to get the heck out of Siberia and go to France to fight with the Allies in WWI. Their hope was that by way of thanks the Allies would grant them their own country when the war ended. Originally the Bolsheviks had promised them safe passage through Siberia to the port of Vladivostok, but things didn’t go smoothly and they ended up fighting against the Bolsheviks.
The novel does a good job of showing us what the soldiers’ lives were like as they battled their way along. It shows their frustration at the repeated promises that fell through and the delays as they fought for their dream of a Czech homeland. I was interested to learn that some had spouses travelling with them.
Readers who couldn’t care less about the history can still enjoy the slow-burn romance of the protagonists, although I found it a bit predictable. The book is populated with many interesting secondary characters, adding depth to the story.
Overall, an enjoyable read and a good introduction to this little-known aspect of the Russian Civil War.
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