Swimming With Spies is set in 2014 Sevastopol, Crimea and is based on the true story of Ukraine’s dolphins being confiscated by Russia for military purposes.
Twelve-year-old Sofiya has a close relationship with her father who is manager of a dolphinarium. Her father is dealing with his own angst because his Russian wife has abandoned the family. Sofiya also lives with her Baba, a scientist who inspires her future career choices. Sofia loves her life in Crimea, and when the Russian government under Vladimir Putin annexes Crimea from Ukraine, Sofia is devastated.
As the annexation evolves, Sofia must deal with changes to the political situation in Crimea, as well as fearing that the new Russian leaders will shut down the dolphinarium.
The strength of this novel is its examination of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine during the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Despite this conflict, author Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger tells a story of cooperation and friendship between young people who rise above political differences to work for a common cause.
The full transcript of this Knyzhka Corner Book Review by Myra Junyk is available at the Nash Holos blog.