by G.B. Stern
First published 2013
Anastasia Rakonitz commands her sprawling family empire from her ornately decorated west London residence. The Rakonitz clan lives well in early twentieth century England. Money flows freely, parties sparkle with laughter, and the kitchen produces elaborate European dishes that would puzzle proper English society. Anastasia settles every family dispute, marks each milestone, and ensures everyone knows the correct method for making Crème Düten. Her children and grandchildren orbit around her strong personality, seeking her approval and fearing her judgment. Then financial disasters begin striking the family business. Scandals emerge that threaten their reputation. The comfortable world Anastasia built starts cracking under pressure. Family members question whether the traditions and expectations that once united them still hold meaning. Anastasia must decide how much she will sacrifice to preserve what remains of her legacy while her relatives struggle to define their own paths forward.
Genres: literary-fiction, historical-fiction, 20th-century, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: family-drama, generational-saga, social-commentary
Setting: England, London
Period: Early 20th Century
272 pages · Paperback · Daunt Books