«Everything Begins In Childhood» kitobiga sharhlar, 1 sharh

As editor for the English translation of this book, I was able to read it before other non-Russian speakers. Every week, I looked forward to receiving the text of the new adventures of little Valya and was sorry to see the book came to an end. The most amazing feat of Valery Yuabov, in my opinion, is his ability to remember so vividly not only his childhood adventures and the life of his Jewish family in Soviet Uzbekistan but also the intricate mosaic of sights, smells and sounds. The book will bring back memories for those who lived in the Soviet Union or have been in Central Asia, but the insightful descriptions of the characters and the details of everyday life really help recreate that world for those of us who read it as outsiders and must imagine the events and setting.