Although this book was very boring at times because of the incredible detail it went into, I found that for the most part, I really enjoyed it. The author does a really good job of making you sympathize with the characters, even if you don't agree with their choices. Besides of the characters, I think what really made me enjoy the book was all of the knowledge that went into it. By the time I finished reading "Sashenka", I knew more about Russia and the Russian Revolution than I had ever known before. The author wasn't afraid to use vivid imagery, even when exploring disturbing or uncomfortable topics (like his gruesome descriptions of the Russian orphanages). These details, as well as the countless allusions to actual written works (such as "The Talisman" by Alexander Pushkin), made me feel like the novel was historical rather than historical fiction.
This novel is definitely part of the "Moving Forward" section in the "Questions For Deeper Understanding". It's all about transitioning from a child to a young adult to an adult, and all the responsibilities that go along growing up. "Sashenka" is a tragic coming of age story, and I'd definitely recommend it to anybody that likes their history with a little heartbreak and a lot of love.