A powerful and unflinching character study set against the brutal reality of Russia beginning with the Second Chechen War. This is a profound and often devastating exploration of trauma, survival, and the loss of innocence. A grim but compelling portrait of a young boy’s descent into a world of violence, where the lines between hero and monster become blurred.
The first chapter begins in war-ravaged Grozny in 2000, where six-year-old Maxym’s life is shattered by an unspeakable tragedy. The brutal murder of his parents and the horrific assault on his sister ignite a fire of vengeance within him. I read this chapter and stopped. This was not a book I was going to dip into a couple chapters a day. I set it aside for a time I could devote to reading. When that time came I couldn’t put the book down. I might hold the record for how quickly I read the remaining chapters.
The narrative follows Maxym’s arduous journey, chronicling how a single, traumatic event shapes his entire existence. Leonid, the soldier who discovered, rescued, and stood by Maxym throughout his life, is a pillar of stability against Maxym’s chaos. Maxym’s battles are not just with the external enemies he faces, but also with his own being, a relentless internal war that is just as dangerous as any physical confrontation.
Notchtree’s writing is taut and impactful, pulling no punches in its depiction of the violence and moral ambiguities of war. Masterfully crafting a protagonist who is both a victim and a perpetrator, embodying the stark phrase, “He looks like an angel but kills like a devil.” This duality is the core of the narrative, forcing the reader to confront uncomfortable questions about the nature of humanity and the psychological toll of extreme trauma. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for a deep dive into Maxym’s emotional and psychological landscape, making his transformation feel both tragic and inevitable.
Notchtree deepens this character study by exploring Maxym’s growth in a deeply homophobic Russia, forcing him to suppress his emerging homosexuality. This internal conflict is a constant source of pain and isolation, another layer to his psychological burden. The narrative also confronts Maxym’s conflicting emotions towards Muslims—a complex mix of hatred fuelled by the tragedy he endured and a nuanced understanding that is hard-won. This constant wrestling with his identity, his trauma, and the societal prejudices around him makes Maxym a truly unforgettable and tragic figure.
While the contents of Maxym often rips your emotions, the book is so well written that is compelling and incredibly rewarding. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit while also highlighting the permanent scars left by conflict. Fans of gritty, character-driven historical fiction and psychological dramas will find this a deeply affecting and memorable novel. It stands as a testament to Notchtree’s ability to craft a story that is as morally complex as it is emotionally charged. After reading the book I am sure that you, like me, will know the love Leonid felt and say, ‘Maxym, I love you.’