91´«Ã½

Francis’ novel is a gritty and accurate depiction of one gay man’s experience in the 1980’s Soviet Union and as a conflicted boy growing up in rural Australia. Darcy travels from his Australian home to Moscow to help his half-sister Fin prepare for her art exhibition. Unbeknownst to Darcy, Fin is working with an Armenian terrorist group. Darcy’s sexual indiscretions lead to blackmail by the KGB, who are trying the infiltrate the terrorist cell. Particularly interesting are the author’s descriptions of the treatment of gay men in the Soviet Union. This cold war thriller is also a journey of self awareness for Darcy and his half-sister. Francis’ depiction of Moscow is both evocative and chilling with characters and scenery that are believable and vivid.