Child 44- Tom Rob Smith

Child 44
Tom Rob Smith
Simon & Schuster

Once in a while a book comes along and digs its claws into you. Child 44 is such a book. A surprise pick for the Man Booker long list, Child 44 is the type of gripping tale that keeps the reader glued to its pages. The story is set against the backdrop of Stalinist Russia where the presumption of guilt comes before innocence. In this police state created after the revolution, the Russians live in a state of paranoia, fearful of being denounced over the most innocent offhand remarks. They are told crime does not exist in their society, that it is the creation of the capitalist West. That is why when a family reports the murder of their son, Officer Leo Domidov from the Ministry of State Security is sent to convince them that his death was nothing more than an unfortunate accident.

Young, good looking and a war hero, Leo Domidov is dedicated to his job and the protection of the revolution. He does not question the methods enforced by the Ministry. He simply regards it as a necessary step for the good of the country and the revolution. However, when the Ministry’s attention turns on Leo and his wife after he raises questions regarding a series of murders, he finds himself the enemy of the state and a man wanted by the same organization he was once a part of.

Child 44 with its enthralling and fast moving plotline, has enough twists and turns to keep the reader immersed. On many occasions I found myself still reading late in to the night, unable to put it down. This is a story that does not disappoint.