Book Review 19: Irina's Eye by H.W. Freedman.

A Historical Fiction is defined as a novel in which a story is made up but is set in the past and sometimes borrows true characteristics of the time period in which it is set. 

H.W. Freedman has beautifully penned a historical fiction, 'Irina's Eye'. The story revolves around Vaclav Bezek, a Czech guy, who fled Czechoslovakia along with Irina, a Jewess, whom he was in love with. They wanted to escape behind the Iron Curtain, from a turbulent Eastern Europe, which was under the influence of USSR during the post World War II period. They were only fifteen then. The book very well describes the unstable and chaotic condition of the post World War II Eastern Europe. While trying to escape, Irina was shot and she fell. The sudden turn of events resulted in Irina's eye to fall into Vaclav's hands. But, he succeeded in escaping to West Germany. There he led his life as a refugee. Again, he travels to Rome and finally, to New York. However, Vaclav never forgets his true love, Irina. 

The story is alternately narrated between two time periods, and two different places, - the post World War II in Czechoslovakia; and twenty years later in the New York City. The chapters are so clearly written and demarcated that it is not at all confusing.

The plot is really very interesting and unpredictable. It is also unique. The ending left me totally shocked. Also, the narrative is very smooth and does not make the readers feel bored. 

The characters are deep and the full of emotions. Especially, the protagonist Vaclav's passionate nature and eccentric personality make the character seem very real. 

The novel is well-researched as there are ample of allusions to various topics.

'Irina's Eye' is recommended to the fans of Historical Fictions and Classics as well. 

About the author : Harris born in Brooklyn, NY, has lived in Europe since 1985. He holds both British and U.S.A. nationalities. His feature-length screenplay, Broken Thread, was produced in 2007 by Deepak Nayar (Bend it Like Beckham; Buena Vista Social Club; Bride and Prejudice). His full-length plays have been produced in the UK, including London and the Edinburgh Festival, in the USA, including Off-Broadway, and in Italy in Rome, and at the Spoleto La Mama Fringe Festival. Irina’s Eye, which is Harris’ first novel, was semi-finalist in the 2006 William Faulkner unpublished novel competition. His plays and screenplays have won awards in several important international festivals and writing competitions. Harris is a member of the Dramatists Guild NYC, Society of Authors UK, English PEN.

My rating : 4 of 5 stars. 

Publisher : H.W. Freedman.

First Published : September 2011

Pages : 190

Price : ₹399/-

Thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy of the book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.