[Pre-publication] Praise From Published Authors
“Talia Carner has a sharp eye for detail and a captivating storytelling eloquence.
Hotel Moscow is a finely-drawn tale of a country emerging from its dark Soviet past into a present overshadowed by a new kind of terror and lawless corruption. Told from the point of view of an American woman, Brooke Fielding, who is in Moscow on business, this is a frightening journey into a world of violence and power struggles that will keep the reader mesmerized.
A wonderful evocation of time and place and an insightful post-Cold War thriller which reminds us that in Russia the more that changes, the more that stays the same.”
—Nelson DeMille, bestselling author of The Charm School, The Gold Coast, the General’s Daughter (and dozens others.)
“With the urgency of a thriller and the sharp, atmospheric lens of a great documentary, Hotel Moscow hurls you into the vortex of the corrupt, outlaw world of the Soviet Union morphing into modern Russia. A fascinating and ultimately, gripping read!”
—Andrew Gross, New York Times bestselling author of One Mile Under (and a dozen others, including James Patterson’s.)
“Talia Carner sweeps us away along with her brave and determined heroine to an exotic and complex time and place, and keeps us riveted with the tension and dangers of international intrigue. A real page-turner!”
—Tami Hoag, New York Times bestselling author of Cold Cold Heart (and dozens others.)
“Hotel Moscow is bold and breathless. A smart story about a fearless New York woman who arrives in Russia with more baggage than she knows, it explores both the personal and the political with compelling prose, heartfelt insights and gripping action. An impressive achievement!”
— Ellen Meister, author of Farewell, Dorothy Parker
“Talia Carner is a born storyteller, and in her new novel, Hotel Moscow, her unique gifts are in abundance. She has written a compelling tale of life during the fall of the Soviet Union—engaging, exciting, and revelatory of what it was like for a woman to be there in a time of great danger, and great change. This is a stunning and very shrewd book that will linger vividly in the memory of every reader.”
— Jay Neugeboren, award-winning author of Imagining Robert, 1940, The Stolen Jew
“Hotel Moscow is a tantalizing book full of corruption, extortion and the shocking treatment of women—and that is just the tip of the Russian iceberg. Talia Carner’s engaging style draws you in with its powerful description of life in Russia twenty months after the fall of communism. I was mesmerized from beginning to end.”
—Deborah Rodriguez, author The Kabul Beauty School
“…Overcoming decades of rigid thinking, and navigating in a dark underworld controlled by a brutal mafia and a male-dominated, politically corrupt bureaucracy, makes [the protagonist’s] task a lot more challenging and dangerous than anticipated, at the same time it makes for a gripping read. Rich with insight and detail, as well as drama and emotion, through its multiple-character narrative this book deftly explores a chapter in history that is little understood much less written about, while telling a heartening story about the possibilities for change and empowerment that follow when brave women work creatively together to forge a better future.”
—Rodney Barker, Author of Dancing with the Devil: Sex, Espionage and the U.S. Marines
“A heroine both glamorous and smart, hard-driving and compassionate, Brooke Fielding — American investment counselor and daughter of Holocaust survivors – travels through the looking glass of Russia, 1993, when the country was lurching toward capitalism, women were coming into their own, and danger lurked around every corner. In Talia Carner’s sweeping and suspenseful Hotel Moscow, Brooke takes us lucky readers on a perilous journey with her not only to a fascinating place and era, but also into the secrets of her own soul.”
—Roy Hoffman, author of Chicken Dreaming Corn and Come Landfall
Independent Literary Reviewers:
Library Journal
“…This tense thriller, based in part on author Carner’s (Jerusalem Maiden) own experiences in post-Communist Russia, is an eye-opening exposé of life following the collapse of the Iron Curtain. ….Carner’s novel of vividly drawn characters and taut suspense adds up to a real-life dystopian page-turner of the un-put-downable variety”
The Jerusalem Post
“Digging a tunnel with a spoon.” Talia Carner ’s fourth novel explores themes of feminism and Judaism in bleak post-communist Russia.
“Action-packed, steamy and suspenseful, Hotel Moscow is a potboiler…. [it] forcefully conveys Carner’s bleak assessment of life for Russian citizens, especially women, under the post-communist regime.
From the moment she arrives, Brooke Fielding is swept up in the corruption and violence associated with the “privatization orgy” of the post-communist Russian Federation…. Brooke comes home a more whole – and more wholesome – person. She has won a battle or two in Russia, but she leaves a country that is run by bureaucrats, oligarchs and the mafia.”
Kirkus Reviews:
“An American investment adviser, on a mission to counsel businesswomen in post-glasnost Russia, encounters corruption, organized crime, and extreme sexism. In 1993, the Russian economy is reeling under the extreme measures introduced by Boris Yeltsin to shock the country into capitalism. … a compelling narrative of lives lived in dystopia. The novel sheds much-needed light on this turbulent period in Russian history.”
Jewish Book Council
“Talia Carner brings the plight of the Russian women to life with visceral, disturbing detail, a portrait of suffering that is unflinching and unforgettable. Hotel Moscow captures a specific moment in history, but is timeless in its examination of what happens when ‘freedom’ is bestowed upon a country that is unprepared for it. With her heroine, Brooke, Carner explores the emotional legacy of the Holocaust, and both stories intertwine to show that the past can neither be denied nor forgotten. It is an ambitious story that tackles political, emotional and sociological issues…. [and] is a deeply satisfying read.”
Military History Book Reviews:
“Carner has written a compelling tale of life during the fall of the Soviet Union, that is exciting, and a revelation of the misogynist attitude of many Russian men alongside the appalling corruption that the post-soviet power vacuum fostered.
However, from these challenges appears an ultimately heartening story of women working together to create change and empowerment with a great moving twist at the end!”
Jewish Book World:
“A moving, poignant, and rich novel, Hotel Moscow is an eye-opening portrait of post-communist Russia and a profound exploration of faith, friendship, and heritage.”
Portland Book Review
“Talia Carner skillfully drops hints along the way as she leads the reader through a harrowing tale of how tough Russian life is to navigate for an outsider. [Reading] her details… I was convinced that I would not have survived in Moscow. In addition to learning about the reality of communism, Carner shares insights to being Jewish in the Russian state. Carner writes with her own experiences in mind and shares pictures of the time when she visited Moscow. Her skilled writing vividly painted a very real-life tale that was interesting to read and difficult to put down.”
Greater Binghamton (NY) Reporter
By Rabbi Rachel Esserman
“Hotel Moscow is a woman’s novel in the best sense of the term. Carner delves into her characters’ psyches, offering in-depth portraits that reveal their deepest secrets. Some sections are difficult to read, particularly the sexism that underlies business relationships in Russia, but the author does a wonderful job comparing the lives of women in both countries, all without being preachy. The plot is exciting and the pages turn quickly, making this a great choice for book clubs.”
Florida Weekly
By Phil Jason, Ph.D.
“…probing and penetrating novel set in the bewildering post-Soviet era…. It’s amazing how much insight, compassion and high-stakes action is crammed into that week between the main character’s arrival and departure…. Ms. Carner’s action scenes of violence and chaos are highly effective in building suspense about the outcome of the American initiative and the safety of Brooke’s group and its [Russian women] mentees. Hotel Moscow has a large cast of characters, from the sharply individualized Russian would-be capitalists to the enigmatic American intelligence agent who offers Brooke help… to the sinister players in this twilight world of intertwined officialdom and criminality. Exciting and instructive from beginning to end, this uniquely focused novel has terrific cinematic possibilities and a complex leading character.”
Cornell School of Continuing Education
“As Hotel Moscow, the fourth novel by Talia Carner (the former publisher of Savvy Women magazine), opens, Brooke Fielding, a 38-year-old New York investment manager who has abandoned her Diaspora name (Bertha Feldman) and distanced herself from her parents’ Holocaust experiences, has agreed to spend the first week of October 1993 in Moscow, teaching entrepreneurial skills to Russian businesswomen. From the moment she arrives, Brooke is swept up in the corruption and violence associated with the “privatization orgy” of the post-communist Russian Federation.”
[National] Book Club Selections:
* Book Movement- Book of the Month selection- June 2015
Bloggers:
Black Dog Speaks
“Books contain an intense magic, so powerful that it can transport us to a different time and place. Their authors wield the wands and the cant the spells that craft these journies for readers. These wizards of words have the ability to not only teach us about history, to but make us live it, to feel it. They weave together the threads of history, humanity, thought and perception to create the most vivid tapestries, which tell the stories of places, people and the events in which they partake. Talia Carner’s wand has created such a tapestry that vibrantly depicts a time and a place that most of us know almost nothing about.
I highly suggest picking up a copy of this book, as I believe that no one can better describe what Russia in 1993 was like better than Talia Carner.”
Reviews by Amos Lassen
“This is a thriller of a novel about the dangers of international intrigue and you will be turning pages as quickly as is humanly possible. Brooke at first does not realize how much baggage she took to Moscow with her and does not do so until she is forced to deal with the corruption of modern Russia. A word of warning—clear your day before you start to read because once you are into the story, there is no turning back.”
Luxury Reading
“Brooke’s story will inspire you. The lives of those she encounters will challenge you…. While the story was excellent by itself, knowing that it was based on [the author’s] many real life observations made it that much more powerful. … Hotel Moscow is an excellent novel that invites you to see the world a little differently and take a step toward helping someone else live a better life.”
Lavish Bookshelf
“Talia Carner has crafted an exciting and historically revealing story in Hotel Moscow. Up until the very last pages, secrets and alliances between characters are steadily revealed. Hotel Moscow is a page-turner that successfully weaves our 2015 sensibilities into Russia’s 1993 political turmoil. What emerges is a book that is part spy-thriller, part feminist lit that will force readers to examine what the history books will truly reveal about what has happened.”
No More Grumpy Bookseller
“This was a real eye-opener….Hotel Moscow‘s plot is just part of the book. The characters – Brooke in particular – elevate the story, making it a more emotional read.
Hotel Moscow is an great read for anyone interested in Russia’s history or is simply looking for a story with excellent female characters.”
Just Reviews by Fran Lewis
“The ending is powerful and one letter tells it all as Brooke has to face her past and make a decision that might change it all. Told within a span of a few days author Talia Carner’s research into the time period is extensive as we learn of the highly volatile situation….
This as you will relive it along with Brooke and those within this story…. An ending so impactful about conflict that would change the country forever.
Hotel Moscow is a formidable story where lessons in life are learned, truths and pasts are faced and although Brooke went for one reason she came away with much more learning the true meaning of friendship, trust, understanding and recognizing her Jewish Heritage and embracing it.”
Utah Mom’ Life
“The characters are developed and emotional and hope to improve their world….I was completely fascinated by Hotel Moscow and highly recommend it as a great read.”
Bibliotica
“Carner tells a good story. Her sense of place is vivid, and her characters stand out. Svetlana, with her Soviet speaking voice and matching hair, really stood out for me, as did Brooke, the lead character who seemed to be caught between the desire to help and the need to stay alive, at times. … I wanted to punch their driver/guide Aleksandr… It takes a lot for me to want to cause harm to a character, so kudos for that, Ms. Carner.
If you like old-school thrillers, where the danger is equal parts cerebral and physical, you’ll like Hotel Moscow. It’s an intriguing story with some great character moments, and I was never bored with it.”
Garden Of Books
“Plunging her readers into the early 1990s and post-communism Russia, author Talia Carner presents a dramatic, fast-paced roller-coaster of a story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats to the very satisfying ending. [In the main character] Carner has molded a fascinating and admirable character who is strong and yet vulnerable to the many horrible situations she runs into.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable read – there is suspense, a bit of romance, and a bit of a history lesson combined. The setting of the violent yet mesmerizing landscape of Russia is gripping and the cast of characters are intriguing as well. I highly recommend this novel.”
Mel’s Shelves
“This was such an interesting book!…. Brooke was a likable character. She wanted to help the women the best she could but also found the entire situation too difficult to deal with. … This book takes place within a week…and it was fascinating! It was hard to read at times and I would need to put it down but found myself drawn back to it to see what would happen next. This book will interest anyone looking for a thought-provoking novel set during this time period.”
The Book Geek
“I was immediately pulled into Brooke’s quest to help the women of Russia learn business skills… The conflicting emotions and motivations made the story real and made Brooke a much more interesting character….
There is so much about Hotel Moscow that I loved… the details of the hotel itself – what a nightmare that place was! … The bleak situation for the Russian people – and the women in particular – is very educational aspect of the book. I found myself pulled along in Brooke’s mission…. Two of the Russian women who really stand out in the novel are Olga and Svetlana…. One of the hallmarks of a good book — I feel strongly about the characters – whether I hate them or admire them. There is much in Hotel Moscow that would appeal to many different readers. I would definitely recommend it.”
Good Girl Gone Redneck
“When I had the opportunity to review a book by Talia Carner, I jumped at the chance. One of her previous novels, Jerusalem Maiden, was one of my favorite books of 2011. So I knew that falling in love with her writing style would not be difficult. And I was not disappointed…Carner’s writing is filled with cultural references. I can envision myself there and feeling, experiencing – everything in her story. It’s almost palpable…. The descriptive way that Carner details what Brooke sees, from the moments she arrives in the city and breathes in the architecture and people around her to random pieces of furniture to place us fully in her surroundings is a huge part of what makes me love her writing.
This book is filled with mystery, turmoil, anxiety and pretty much runs the gamut when it comes to emotions. As the reader you can easily put yourself where the author takes you, and this includes the characters’ minds. The women that we meet go through so much. We stand idly by, as witnesses, stuck in one spot – hating, loathing, burning with anger.
We hurt. We hate. We take deep breaths.”
Angie Mangino Blog
“Readers will relate to Brooke from the very start, continuing with her to see a shocking side of Russia in 1993 after the collapse of communism. The author’s expert writing develops the story with excellent characterization and dialogue, keeping readers engaged throughout the novel…. a story that will stay with the readers.”
Doing Dewey
“…the jacket description really undersold the story! The book was awesome in all the ways I expected…and I learned a lot…The perspectives of the Russian women gave even more insight into life in Russia. And the descriptions of the time period and location in general were very vivid.
Beyond this, I was surprised by the spy thriller elements of the story. The book included a lot of action and almost constant tension. I particularly liked how the author worked little details about people and places into her descriptions of events. It was a great way for the fast pace and well-written descriptions to coexist…. Despite the horrific events in the story, the descriptions weren’t so graphic they decreased my enjoyment of the book. The last surprising bit of awesome was the author note at the end, explaining that much of the book was based on the author’s own experience in Russia. As someone who loves learning factual information from historical fiction, this was a cherry on top of a great reading experience.”
Bite Of the Bookworm
“Traveling in a communist country things are not always what they seem. The story develops with many layers and different perspectives of life in Russia during the 1990s…. Using the art of the novel, creating wonderful female characters and the intrigue of illegal business dealings, Carner gives the reader a realistic feeling for what it was really like to be in Russia at this time in history.”
5 Minutes For Books
“Hotel Moscow was a fascinating book…. I was intrigued at this glimpse into a country that wasn’t changing in the ways you had hoped. I wondered about the accuracy, and really enjoyed an essay at the end by author Talia Carner, who visited Russia during the early 90s and who writes movingly about the challenges faced by a society just freeing itself from totalitarian rule. Thought-provoking, at times disturbing, with layered prose that stays with you long after you turn the final page, this is a meaty read, a rare combination of action and character and place, a page-turner that makes you think.
Highly, highly recommended.”
Security Briefs
“Authenticity and accuracy mark this work of historical fiction literally from chapter one…. this page-turner in which Talia Carner’s gutsy and proactive heroine arrives as a citizen-diplomat to teach business skills to Russian women, turns accidental sleuth, and leaves fleeing for her life…. In the transition from the Soviet period was the utter absence of anything related to sustenance that women in modern times and first world countries might build on as foundations for their stability…. Talia Carner’s elegant prose ushers us gracefully and tenderly through the most intimate thoughts and spaces these women occupy. We are with this troika through their journey in and out of the euphoria that was the end of communism, the injustice of phantom anti-Semitism and the hazards of one-size-fits-all feminism…. Whatever your approach to matters of faith and feminism, pasts and futures, friendship and family, security and identity, HOTEL MOSCOW is jewel whose facets will throw light on your most personal reflections.”
