In 1971 a retired English bookseller joined an Amnesty International campaign to write letters to children of political prisoners. He chose seven-year-old Marina Aidova because her birthday was one day before his, and he had always loved Russia and its literature. His postcard was signed, "With love from Newbury, Berks, England." Marina, whose father was in one of the harshest Soviet prison camps, wrote back: "I am a first class schoolgirl. I learn ballet and study English. And what are you?"
So began a correspondence that changed their lives. For the next fifteen years they exchanged letters, telegrams, magazines, and books . . . while a profound affection grew. Marina and her mother drew great strength from the exchange-it was a lifeline to another, more hopeful world. Through Harold's encouragement, Marina was inspired to study English at university, and eventually went on to work as an English translator.
Published in association with Amnesty International, the families' correspondence-along with over thirty photos they exchanged-is collected here, making for a moving look at the powerful influence one family can have on another in need, halfway around the world.
Anna Horsbrugh-Porter is a radio producer who has worked for the BBC World Service, BBC Radio Four, and independent production companies.
Marina Aidova works as an English translator for international organizations including the IMF.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Anna Horsbrugh-Porter is a radio journalist with the BBC.
ordinary stories about ordinary lives - but swapped at a time when it was extraordinary to have such contacts between families from opposite sides of the Iron Curtain -- Sean Coughlan * BBC News Magazine online * They [the letters] are a reminder of a time that was both more sinister and more innocent. Most of all, though, they are an incredibly touching portrait of two families' ordinary, everyday lives. -- Viv Groskop * Sunday Express * One of the most moving books you'll ever read -- John O'Connell * Time Out *
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Soft cover. Condition: Fine. No Jacket. Horsbrugh-Porter, Anna and Marina Aidova (Editors)., Melville House Publishing / Amnesty International, 2007, c2006, 1st trade pb printing, illus. soft cover (trade size paperback with French flaps), near fine, 264 pp with chronology, B&W photographic illus., 8vo, ISBN: 9781933633220, 'How a desperate family behind the Iron Curtain was saved through letters, literature, and love'. Seller Inventory # 78801
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Condition: very good. Hoboken, NJ : Melville House, 2007. Paperback. 258 pp. English text. Condition : very good. - In 1971 a retired English bookseller joined an Amnesty International campaign to write letters to children of political prisoners. He chose seven-year-old Marina Aidova because her birthday was one day before his, and he had always loved Russia and its literature. His postcard was signed, "With love from Newbury, Berks, England." Marina, whose father was in one of the harshest Soviet prison camps, wrote back: "I am a first class schoolgirl. I learn ballet and study English. And what are you?" So began a correspondence that changed their lives. For the next fifteen years they exchanged letters, telegrams, magazines, and books . . . while a profound affection grew. Marina and her mother drew great strength from the exchange-it was a lifeline to another, more hopeful world. Through Harold's encouragement, Marina was inspired to study English at university, and eventually went on to work as an English translator. Condition : very good copy. ISBN 9781933633220. Keywords : , Seller Inventory # 273996
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