Russia

Throughout The Beginning of Spring, the idea of Russia and of being Russian colors everything. Frank Reid, the principal character, was born in Moscow and grew up there, but he is not thought of by anyone as Russian. He is British and will always be British. His employees at Reid Press treat him affectionately, but on the two occasions when employees at the Press consider working in England, they appeal to him for help with the expectation that he can make arrangements for them because he is, after all, British. As soon as Lisa Ivanovna is introduced into the novel, it is a foregone conclusion that Frank is going to fall in love with her. It is as though she is the personification of Russia.

Privacy

It is almost an ongoing joke. Everybody in this novel seems to know everything that happens, particularly in the Reid household and...