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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: ROTO 010		2025-08-10 18:30:45

Overall we very much enjoyed The Half Life of Valery K, its well-constructed storyline and fast pace. The nuclear physics content engaged some of us. Being the 60th anniversary of Hiroshima as our group met, current concerns built upon history are riveting. Discussion was on how to uphold a functioning, compassionate society against governmental oppression... Pulley's fact-based fiction serves us well.

By: NELS 002		2025-08-04 09:29:54

Very good. Convincingly portrayed Soviet era Russia.

By: AUCK 459		2025-07-28 12:55:13

Some of the group didn't read it, but those who did found it fascinating, if not a little scientific. Believable and totally scary.

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.