The Prodigal of Leningrad

"Taylor's elegantly simple prose is compelling, and his attention to detail is the work of an expert storyteller. An unforgettable book that will resonate with readers of World War II historical fiction." – Library Journal starred review "A man's reverence for art leads to wartime defiance in the enchanting historical novel The Prodigal of Leningrad. Told with fabulistic clarity…a moving exploration of what it costs to uphold Christian virtues, including truth and beauty." Foreword Reviews In this World War II historical novel set during the harrowing siege of Leningrad, Daniil Aslanov, a docent at the Hermitage Museum, gives tours of empty frames. As the city starves, he battles a secret shame, while his grandfather—a persecuted Orthodox priest exiled to the Gulag—clings to faith. While bombs fall and starvation grips the city, Daniil Aslanov continues to lead tours of empty frames through the Hermitage Museum. Although the museum's masterpieces have been hidden away for safekeeping,