This is the second book in the RUSSIAN ROOTS: A Global Generational Saga. This is the story of the author’s father, Michael Kaptzan. He was born in Siberia. In his early childhood, his family’s remote village was overrun by the Bolsheviks, who murdered his father. Along with his mother and siblings, the family escaped to Japan. As a pre-teen, his home was flattened by an earthquake, burying him in the rubble. During WWII, while trapped in Shanghai, China, Kaptzan assisted fellow Jews escaping Nazi-occupied Europe.
This is an exceptionally captivating memoir. Robinov really allows her father’s personality to shine through in the writing. His story is remarkable with the number of tragic events he endured and the number of times circumstances necessitated that he start over, reinventing himself in a new location.
Robinov has a wonderfully conversational style to her storytelling and this book is no exception. The reader feels as though they are spending an afternoon listening to a friend the tales of their history. It is so enjoyable to read her writing.
Kyra Robinov is a Manhattan-based writer who works in many genres—fiction, non-fiction, musical theatre, and children’s literature. She draws much of her inspiration from the incredible stories she heard growing up about her family’s remarkable experiences.
After fictionalizing her paternal grandmother’s story of a young mother surviving the Russian Revolution in her historical novel, RED WINTER, Kyra decided to focus on her father’s life. Her new nonfiction release, HiSTORY, spotlights a daughter’s perspective on a bygone era and a man who struggled before ultimately achieving financial and personal success.
Kyra Robinov’s passion for the arts and storytelling originated in ballet and drama, and often, but not always, relates to her Russian Jewish heritage. She has worked on multiple live theater pieces. Kyra wrote the book and lyrics for TO DANCE, a musical inspired by the true life of Russian Jewish ballet dancer Valery Panov, which was featured at the NYC Fringe Festival in 2015.
Her whimsical NATURE SERIES IN VERSE—MATT McFLACK & HIS FLYAWAY KITE, DANCE OF THE SEASONS, and THE FOLLY OF POLLY THE PENGUIN—introduces young readers to the importance of perseverance, the different times of the year, and combatting climate change. The books are also available on Audible.com.
Kyra’s latest release is URGE to ROME: My Quest to Become Sexy, Sultry & Migraine-free, a personal recollection about the challenging year she and her family spent while following their dream to live abroad.
For more information, please visit: KyraRobinov.com.
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By: Kyra Kaptzan Robinov Nikolaevsk-on-Amur was a peaceful, frozen hamlet in Eastern Siberia, isolated from the rest of Russia and its political unrest. Until the winter of 1920, when Bolsheviks found their way into the town, arresting opposition party members, business owners, foreigners, and Jews. This idyllic village was suddenly turned into a war zone.…
Thank you to everyone who submitted work for the August Short Story Feature Contest. The winning entry is: Becoming Italian…Or Trying To by Kyra Robinov A native New Yorker, Kyra is an author and lyricist. Her first novel Red Winter was inspired by the true story of her family and their escape from Red partisans…
By Kyra Robinov When her husband’s work in food opens up the opportunity for their family to spend a year living abroad, they make the decision to spend a year in Rome. Kyra Robinov’s latest memoir recounts their year of new experiences, challenges, and personal growth as she and her husband, along with their two…
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By Rabbi Dan Ornstein Rabbi Ornstein’s Cain v Abel places the reader in the role of juror in the first murder. Settle into the jury box as the case unfolds with expert witnesses evaluating Cain’s family history, emotional and spiritual influences, and psychological profile. Designed to provoke discussion, the book concludes with discussion questions. Rabbi…
By Miranda Portnoy Portnoy’s memoir takes the reader through a traumatic childhood. When she finds herself the scapegoat of a murderer, Portnoy feels alone, with seemingly nowhere to turn this agnostic turns to faith. This is where her life takes an unexpected turn. She meets and marries a prestigious Orthodox man in Jerusalem. In part…
By Remy Maisel Emily is coming off a rough day when she finds herself receiving communications from the State Department about an interview for work on a highly specialized, top-secret mission. There’s just one little problem. They have the wrong woman. What’s the mission? Representing Israel in a divorce settlement-style mediation with representatives from the…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
Welcome to my October Wrap Up! It’s been a great month, getting back to sharing my passion for literature with all of you. I hope you’ve discovered some new reads along with me. In case you missed any of my updates, here’s your chance to catch up. Authors, are you interested in having your book…
Welcome to my November Wrap-Up! I’ve exceeded my 2021 Goodreads reading goal and discovered some wonderful new authors. If you’ve missed any of my weekly reading lists or reviews, here is your chance to catch up. It has been a fantastic month of books. I’ve enjoyed some of the best books of the year this…
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As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
