" Troika" by Adam Pelzman which I won from Goodreads Giveaways is a romantic journey into the human heart that begins with Perla, a Cuban-American stripper at a not too fancy or sleazy nightclub called Paris Nights. A beautiful, but aloof young woman who doesn't drink and brings "grace, dignity and professionalism" to a fruitless job Perla never expects to meet a man who could win her heart.
Julian Pravdin , a Russian orphan who was taken under the wing of a Jewish businessman before immigrating to America has made a fortune from a small inheritance and a philosophy that embodies "scarcity, need and knowledge." One evening on a business trip to Florida he stops at the club where Perla's dancing and begins a journey that will change the course of their lives.
Much of the story is narrated from Perla and Julian's perspectives, adding Sophie Pravdin's near the end. Although the addition of the paralyzed wife's view of her marriage in relationship to her crippling and degrading condition seems at first disconcerting it does add a further dimension to the story as the lives of Julian, Sophie and Perla become intertwined. With skilful adroitness the author explores the brokenness of the three; two tormented by abuse, violence and murder in their past, the other from the mistreatment of her mother's boyfriend and exploitation by her customers. The description and language is realistically graphic as the brutality and ugliness in these lives, past and present, are juxtaposed against the beauty intrinsic in each of their souls.
Like the plot, the characters with all their flaws,faults and strengths are well-developed and very realistic. Julian Pravdin, the stylish, self-assured businessman has always been a loner with an intense and competitive nature. Haunted by tragedy and violence in his youth his temperament is an enigma at times, ranging from cold indifference, anger and intolerance to compassion, sensitivity and caring. Perla, the nightclub stripper who yearns for honesty, respect and kindness is practical, tough and blunt. Julian's wife Sophie paralyzed from the waist-down in a tragic accident is heartbreakingly self-loathing, stubborn, and jealous even with her husband's undeniable consideration and love. In a shocking ending these three lives will become strangely intertwined as they seek protection, security and sincerity in a new, difficult and unconventional relationship.
This modern and complex romance is definitely unusual, but told with touching warmth. Against a background of pain, tragedy and loss, the pages are filled hope, joy and redemption as hearts heal and find new meaning to their lives.