In the post-Soviet era life is hard and, for Olenka and many other women, becoming an egg donor or surrogate mother seems to offer an escape from poverty. She soon finds herself at the centre of a web of lies and exploitation, where people disappear and no-one can be trusted. A slowly-unfolding mystery story and a real page-turner.
I could look forward to restaurant food, espresso, and the life of an adult instead of a failure to launch. The boss arranged papers that said I taught English and French, which was completely believable given the language skills I’d picked up out in the world, and according to my payroll statements, I taught private evening language lessons. An account statement purchased from a bank was necessary for the visas. The balance shown on it made me laugh in disbelief. I was beginning to look perfect, and so was my father.
