Another wonderful collection of short fiction by an author who very capably connects historical fact, science, and a deep understanding of human nature.  The five stories address issues of innovation and invention, science versus the paranormal, evolution versus creationism, genetics (with a WWII backdrop), and medical care during the Russian Revolution in the eponymous city as WWI ends.  In each case, Barrett melds historical figures with her own very life- like creations, embedding the characters in a vivid historical period as well as using scientific controversies and advancements as the ‘stuff’ of the plots.  The reader begins to care about the characters (Constantine, Sam, Henrietta and Daphne, Phoebe, Eudora) and is deep into their lives and situations by the end of the first page.  An engaging and stimulating set of stories.