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Marina English
I was born and raised in the Soviet Union, and after graduating from secondary school, where I specialized in English language, I chose a linguistic career and went to university. After completing ...view moreI was born and raised in the Soviet Union, and after graduating from secondary school, where I specialized in English language, I chose a linguistic career and went to university. After completing my PhD I taught English for many years at a State University, during which time I also co-authored two Russian↔English language books. Only now, in my 50s, having retired from my job as Associate Professor of English Language, married, and moved to England am I able to devote my time and energy to writing.
The ‘Chance to Live’ story evolved gradually, from its beginnings in 2008 when I wrote a short story for my son, who intended to adapt it as a script for use in a film project at his acting school in Hollywood. However, I found the theme was just too intriguing for a short story, and became very involved with the characters and their plight. What could happen to them? I thought. How could their lives develop? I found it impossible to ignore these questions, and so the original short story blossomed into a complete novel. I was very much absorbed with the theme of a family colluding to protect one of their number, whose nonconformist sexual orientation was something completely taboo in Soviet and Post Soviet Russia.
The story is largely the product of my imagination but draws on my experience of life under the Soviet system, including anecdotal material provided by friends and relatives. Also, with the fall of the Soviet Union many revelations became available about ‘The Evil Empire’, and I used some of these to fill in the plot in such a way that it is both a credible and compelling read.
There are sequels planned, and they are currently at the plot outline stage, so watch this space.
Contact the author: marfuta30@yahoo.comview less