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Title:	Half Life of Valery K, The
Authors:	Pulley, Natasha
Genre:	Fiction
Pages:	373
Year:	2022
Language:	English
Description:	Nuclear scientist Valery Kolkhanov is resigned to life in a Siberian gulag, but with a nod from his former mentor he suddenly finds himself in City 40, a mysterious town in a forest where he is to study the effects of radiation on the ecosystem. Who wouldn't enjoy the dramatic improvements in the living conditions? But it comes with a price and when Valery realises just what his research is to encompass, it really is a case of out of the frying pan into the fire. With its plausible characters, grim tidings and provocative plot, this is a terrifying Cold War thriller based on true events.
Categories:	Fiction, Environmental, Grief/loss, Human Rights, Medical/Health, Relationships, Science & Technology, Social commentary/perspectives, Tragedy/disaster, Russia, 2025 Titles

Reviews

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By: MARLB 002		2025-06-25 10:02:25

The group found this book really well-written and believable for the most part. Fascinating that the background was based on fact, and a great insight into Russia back in the day. The two main characters were well-described and the radiation explanations fascinating to many of us. A good read written with humour and restraint.

By: WELL 102		2025-05-27 10:12:50

The group thought the book was really great.

By: AUCK 446		2025-03-03 10:10:35

Most of us loved the book. We found the topic intriguing, and some of the characters. Had quite a good discussion.

By: DUNED 083		2024-10-21 09:18:53

We loved Valery K!!

By: NELS 012		2024-10-16 13:09:58

A fantastic book. Insightful, well-written - would make a great movie.

By: AUCK 189		2024-10-10 10:00:48

Everyone enjoyed this book! Beautifully written and all the more fascinating/horrifying that it is based on actual events.

By: WAIKA 013		2024-09-25 11:54:40

Well-written with a real understanding of the effects of radiation. Scary and certainly not unbelievable for our future existence!!

By: HAVE 015		2024-07-29 11:26:15

Most of us, including my husband, really enjoyed this book and were completely hooked. Only 1, maybe 2, couldn't get into it.

By: WELL 042		2024-04-29 09:41:50

We all enjoyed this book - amazing to learn it was based on true events. We thought the ending was a bit weak, but on the other hand were very pleased that so many people were able to escape.