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 Archive 

A curated collection of past posts.

Thoughts on Russia

Book cover Patriot by Alexei Navalny

Reflections on Alexei Navalny, protest and the fragile nature of democracy — from Moscow demonstrations to marching for clean water in London.

A reflection on war, dissent and the Russian artist Yelena Osipova — and the question of what a fictional character might do in very real times.

Russian activist Yelena Osipova, artist and octogenarian being arrested.

On Writing

Shortlisting badge from The Historical Novel Society First Chapters Award 2024

On being shortlisted and discovering my characters in the National Portrait Gallery

How a Dreary Day in Moscow Led to a Novel

"Bird Girl" by L. Sgibneva . The portrait that inspired The Girl from the Hermitage
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