The Domino Effects

Abkhazia may be an unrecognised country in the Russian Caucasus but patriotism runs, uh, deep. Perched on the shores of the Black Sea, the Georgian splinter state used to be a beach getaway for lucky Soviets, but palatial hotels now sit in post-Communist ruin. For Abkhazian Sports Minister Rafael, however, everything's looking up. He's so optimistic that the mysterious international tournament he's organising will finally put his beloved motherland on the world's radar, he's willing to overlook that his dear wife is a foreigner. A proud Russian opera singer, Natasha gave up her home and custody of her Russian daughter to take a chance on a new life. But when locals won't warm to her and troubles cloud Rafael's "sports" event, their bright future and even national pride start to wobble. Striking perfect notes of satire and socio-political commentary, Domino Effect delightfully reveals what a dreamer will do for love and country.