This is a book for anyone who is curious to discover Russia's past through the experiences of its intelligentsia, artists, writers, musicians and architects. Their perceptions, fantasies and attitudes about their country and its peasant majority played an important part in shaping events. Those who became exiles, lived under an idealistic belief in Russia's greatness but the ones who returned, almost without exception, fell foul of Stalin's ruthless system. A fascinating, accessible way to learn a lot of history.
(Jenny Baker - bwl 63 Winter 2011 ) |
