Lolo by Mara Kay

Lolo had always thought it was a pity that her father, the Russian poet Feodor Tyutchev, didn't spend more time at home with his family. But it wasn't until she was twelve, and on holiday with her mother in Germany that she learned other mothers didn't want their children to associate with her, which she found hurtful and strange. When Lolo returned home she asked so many questions that she was finally told the truth - her father had a wife already, and although he loved Lolo's mother, he wasn't married to her.

It was hard at first to accept that she'd never be able to make friends normally in the strict society of St. Petersburg, and to think her mother would always be open to abuse and scorn. But Lolo tried to find compensations as she grew up. It was fun to drive out with her father and see the sights. It was enjoyable to go to school and be part of that separate world. And she loved her little brothers dearly.

Lolo's mother, though, had never been strong, and suffers from tuberculosis. This causes Lolo much grief and soon she had to face another serious situation.