Emma recommends... White Moss - Anna Nerkagi, translated by Irina Sadovina

Emma recommends... The focus of our February book club (happening on Wednesday 11 February - FREE but please get in touch to sign up!) White Moss is a beautifully told and delicately crafted story of small human tragedies, family relationships, the push of youth, and the pull of home. Set in the nomadic Nenets community of northern Siberia, the translation here - not only of language and meaning but also of culture and way of life - is simply astonishing. A rare book to cherish.

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On the eve of his wedding, young Alyoshka pines for an earlier love. Ilne chose to leave the nomadic Nenets community seven years before, moving to the city and taking his heart with her. Under increasing pressure to marry, Alyoshka struggles against the ancient Nenets customs of home and family, unwilling to give up his hope for another life.

Meanwhile, other painful transitions shake the foundations of the small camp.

Deep in grief, Ilne's father Petko feels he has no role left to play in the community, while Vanu strikes out on a difficult journey to try to soothe his troubled friends.

Deep in northern Siberia, minor human tragedies play out against the cold expanse of the tundra. With bursts of lyricism and a Chekhovian eye for human frailty, Anna Nerkagi crafts a multi-voiced drama of lost love and the clash between youthful dreams and the complex ties of home.