Rare Earth

In this timely, somber story about flagrant political persecution, a Russian geologist is relegated to ""drifting, homeless freedom'' in America after she writes a novel depicting the gruesome aftermath of nuclear war. Anna Khameneva's determination to speak out is precipitated by the death of her husband, a physicist harassed by government authorities for his decision to discontinue his nuclear research. Following her novel's appearance, Anna is deported and comes to the U.S., where she contends with fame, ardent reporters, zealots eager to exploit her for their social crusades, and the news that her son faces internal exile in Russia. Two people befriend AnnaIan McDonough, an idealistic journalist who loves her, and Ian's father, George, a self-satisfied bureaucrat whose ``private philanthropic agency'' awards Anna a substantial grant. The agency intends to utilize her as an anti-Soviet propaganda tool, but when Anna doesn't respond, the government vindictively prosecutes her for espionage. Grisanti moralizes without stridence while eloquently presenting Anna's dauntless courage and the stealth of her oppressors. February 21