I was
I could make a whistle from a stiff reed using only the sharp edge of a
clamshell. I could sing a song after hearing it just one time. I could find
wild strawberries, even clusters of violets, by closing my eyes and
following the directions of my nose. I could hear my father's footsteps
before anyone else.
ticklish
thirsty
tardy
skilled

the author develops a cold, and scared tone. making the reader shudder with fear, and suddenly become cold. i'm guessing that he's writing a scary novel, or maybe about a chilly december night.

i think it's either 'to expose the corruption of the communists in russia', or 'to criticize animal brutality by communists in russia.'  

hope this ! : )