MAYA & NATASHA

Elyse Durham's debut novel takes listeners from the 1941 Siege of Leningrad through the Cold War via the lives of Maya and Natasha, twin orphaned sisters. Illegitimate daughters of a prima ballerina who died shortly after their birth, they are raised and trained by the state to live their mother's destiny in the Kirov School of Ballet. Yelena Shmulenson's narration captures their complicated relationship as they grow from closest confidants to rivals who betray each other. Shmulenson's subtle accent is enhanced by her injection of strong emotions and her ability to involve listeners in the lives of the twins and the challenging times they live in. Shmulenson also brings supporting characters like George Balanchine to life. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2025]