Title: Boys Don’t Cry: A Novel by Irina Myshkova

Description: In a society where expressing emotions is often discouraged, young Alyosha struggles silently. Loved by his parents and grandmother, he attends music school, chess club, and art classes – seemingly living a normal life. Yet, beneath the surface, Alyosha is deeply unhappy and isolated. His home life, while outwardly unremarkable, is riddled with shouting, threats, and even physical punishment. This seemingly ordinary family, mirroring countless others, perpetuates a cycle of raising children through fear and control. Alyosha’s breaking point arrives when he runs away in the dead of winter, leading him into a desperate and dangerous situation.

Irina Myshkova’s powerful novel, shortlisted for the Knigur literary award, masterfully portrays the inner world of a teenager deprived of free time and genuine connection. It explores the devastating consequences of parental love expressed through neglect and harsh discipline, charting Alyosha’s journey from despair to the possibility of healing and reconciliation.

“Boys Don’t Cry” (part of the “By Itself” series published by “Five Quarters”) serves as a cautionary tale, similar to Myshkova’s “Your Grandmother’s Travelogue.” It highlights the potential for family catastrophe when love is absent and explores the crucial work of search and rescue teams in saving lives. Myshkova’s story is gripping and unsettling. The primal fear of losing a child resonates deeply – a fear shared by both parents and children. The novel confronts the darkness within ourselves, prompting reflection on the cruelty inflicted on loved ones, even by those who claim to care deeply. This poignant story about childhood challenges will leave no reader untouched. It offers no easy answers, yet its impact is profound.

Beautifully illustrated by Alina Kritarova, the book’s evocative imagery complements the story’s somber tone. Suitable for middle and high school readers.