In 1968 Leningrad, Alexander Karpenko's future is dramatically split by a coin toss. Following his father's assassination by the KGB, Alexander and his mother must escape. Faced with a choice between a ship to America or one to Great Britain, Alexander leaves it to fate. This single decision branches his life into two parallel narratives: one as Alex in New York, the other as Sasha in London, each unfolding over three decades as they navigate triumph, defeat, and the lingering shadows of their past in Russia.

Why You Should Read?

• Explores a compelling "what if" scenario through two distinct but interconnected lives.
• Spans thirty years and two continents, offering a rich, expansive narrative.
• Delves into themes of destiny, identity, and the enduring impact of personal history.
• A masterfully structured plot with unexpected twists, characteristic of Jeffrey Archer's storytelling.