There is a very definite Russian heart in me; that never dies. I think you're born and you live your life with it and you die with it. I'm very much an American - my books tend to be about American things, but inside there's that sort of tortured, long-suffering, aching, constantly analysing Russian soul underneath the happy American exterior.

You have amazing gifts. Don't squander them. Don't give them out meaninglessly, don't abuse them, don't take them for granted. You are the weapon you carry with you till the day you die. -Tatiana and Alexander

Tatiana and the soldier were having a silence

Oh Alexander," she said, "what do you want from me..." "Everything!" he whispered fiercely.

Live as if you have faith,” she said, “and faith shall be given to you.

And that's my point: all great things worth having require great sacrifice worth giving.

Alexander knew that before he had light instead of darkness, he had to deserve light instead of darkness.