I think the research into the gymnastics program is well- done (easily the best part of the novel) and Vera and Anya are charming enough characters. There's this way Americans write other cultures that is so uniquely judgmental and *American* that just leaks out of everything though. It's such a thick presence presented through characters and sensibilities that it's almost impermeable sometimes.

If that's not a problem for you and the topic sounds interesting, it's very readable.