An unscrupulous depiction of bolsheviks as cold-blooded despots.
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One small example of the problems with Figes' book, small but typical : on pages 631-632 we are treated with the horrendous shooting of Bim-Bom, the clown who dared mock the bolsheviks, at the hands of the Cheka bursting onto the circus in the middle of the comedian's act.
Except that a small amount of research would have made Figes aware that Bim-Bom was not a single clown but a duet, and that no such assassination took place : on the contrary the founder of this famous duet ("Bim" real name Ivan Semenovich Radunskim) died in 1955 after a long career.
But hey ! Why let facts get in the way of a good scene ?
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Comprehensive and engaging
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Orlando Figes has produced the definitive account of the events that facilitated the October Revolution of 1917, with significant emphasis placed on the characters who brought it about. He writes with a storytelling style that invites both seasoned historians and novices to the field to truly grasp the scope of this immensely significant and compelling period of history. The emphasis placed on the individual in history is, I think, necessary when it comes to this subject. Without the cunning designs of Lenin, propped up by the rhetoric of Trotsky and with the inability of Kerensky and the Socialist Revolutionaries to recognise the turn of the tide in favour of the Bolsheviks, they were totally incapable of stemming the tide of Socialist Revolution. The post-revisionist concept of the influence of the people in bringing about their own tragedy is brilliantly stated by the master historian, without ever losing sight of the significance of key figures in stimulating revolution.
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Detailed and Thorough, Though Annecdotal
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Firstly, I would like to say that this book is an incredible book. It is unlike any book I have read on this or any other historical subject. Figes' prose flows through the book smoothly and enjoyably.
However, this does create some problems within the book. I found that at points throughout the book Figes' prose became too anecdotal; reducing rather horrific actions and events into little more than footnotes within the story. This is not to say that Figes does not tackle the violence and often unspeakable brutality of this period without tact and sensitivity. I think Figes deals with the Russian Revolution and all of the problems it created socially rather well. I believe he captures the essence of the revolution that say, Robert Service could not. Many historians produce accounts of the revolution that paint the revolution as an "Inevitability". This however creates the illusion that the Bolsheviks "Steamrollered" Russia without much hassle. Figes is able to transcend this rather simplified view, painting a very human picture of the leaders of this "People's Revolution" and their roles within this tragedy.
Figes' use of characters within the book creates a drama of epic proportions-hitting home the social uphealval of the time. His particular use of Semenov's story with his battles with the Village hierachy and the meteoric rise of peasant commisars like Os'Kin as well as the linchpin-like Gorky and his role within every aspect of the revolution and his eventual disillusionment with the revolution he had a hand in creating, makes for a tragic and typically desperate Russian Epic.
I will agree with other reviews in that the period after the Civil War is rather rushed compared to the detail in the rest of the book. This rather disappoints and leaves a rather sour taste after such a fantastic book. I think that this as well as Figes' rather flippant style sometimes is the one thing keeping this book from five stars.
This book is an amazing book. Of that that there is no doubt. A must-read for those interested in the Russian Revolution. It succeeds where other books fail; in its concentration of social issues rather than focusing purely on the policital issues/stories.
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Masterful and detailed
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Surely this must be the definitive account of the Russian Revolution's origins and course of events. A deserved prize-winner.
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The best marathon you'll ever run
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This is a long book, for those looking for short sharp read look elsewhere because you won't find it here. What you will find is a book that humanises an often sterile topic. by bringing out human examples again and again Figes does not just cater for the undergraduate historian searching for information but also personalises the plight of the russian people in such a way that is both captivating and informative, making it a good read for any audience. This is no harry potter, you won't find people reading it around a swimming pool but if you have the time it is well worth it. Most importantly do not be put off by its size. the author assumes little prior knowledge whilst at the same time allowing the learned reader an even more in-depth look at the chaos and brutality of imperial Russia and beyond. For beginners and scholars alike this book is second to none and a must for anyone with an interest in the soviet union. To understand any nation especially one governed by rigid ideals one must understand the events and context in which those ideals were introduced, moulded, and ultimately distorted.
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