WF101 - The Siege (La Faim), by Helen Dunmore

Helen Dunmore’s extraordinary novel is set against a landmark event in military history and in the annals of human suffering: the Siege of Leningrad. 

The Nazis blockaded the former St. Petersburg from 1941 - 1944 (for 872 days) inflicting starvation, disease, shelling and freezing cold on its inhabitants. 

This epic tale of human qualities and failings, of weakness but also inspiring generosity as starvation sets in, is recounted through Anna Levin, a 23-year-old artist and nursery-school teacher.

‘There's no Socialist Realism here; this is a novel of psychological delicacy and poetic strength as well as a meditation on suffering and endurance.’  The Washington Post

Registration opens 14 January 2023.