Sasha

Sasha lives with her mother and maternal grandparents in Ivanovo, Russia. It is during a time when many Russian men have died in a war. Sasha's friends are two boys named Andrei and Marik. Since her mother, Galya, is a doctor, Sasha lives a relatively privileged life while other people have very little. The piano lessons she and Marik take each week demonstrate a lifestyle of privilege. Sasha does not embrace the “motherland” of Russia, in spite of having grown up with a mother and Grandpa who make it clear they love their country.

Sasha defies her mother and Grandpa by attending drama school with the hope of becoming an actress. Her determination to follow her dreams demonstrates her strength and inner will. She sets high standards for herself. Though she always fears she will fail, she always succeeds.

Sasha is often outwardly emotional in a time and...