I love history, and the best way to experience it is by reading a novel.
To learn about the terrible history of Russia in the 20th century, you might want to read “Sashenka” by Simon Sebag Montefiore ( how I envy him his name! ). The book touched me deeply, several times I couldn't continue reading because tears blurred my vision.
The book consists of three parts. The first part takes place during the Russian Revolution, the second part in Moscow in 1939, and the third part the period just after the fall of communism in 1989.
This is about the second part.
Sashenka seems to live an enchanted life as a Soviet bureaucrat. She has a summerhouse in the country and a spacious apartment just round the corner from the Kremlin, a loving husband, and two adorable children. “Seems” because her privileged life can be destroyed any minute by a careless remark or a gossiping neighbor. It is the period called the Great Terror. No one is safe. Even the highest bureaucrat of the land, or the most devoted communist can be accused of some made-up crime and arrested by the secret police at any moment. Even during the most idyllic scenes, you feel the ax might fall. There is a chilling scene where Stalin comes to visit her in her dacha.
When she falls in love with a writer with suspicious political ideas, and decides to meet him in a hotel, I wanted to shout: “Don’t do it, you will ruin your life and the life of your family !” When Sashenka knows her family is doomed and she is waiting for the fatal knock on the door, the suspense is unbearable. I had to lay down the book, and only after a day was I able to continue reading.
And this is only one-third of the book, the two other parts being just as moving. After 600 pages, I felt sorry and lonely when I read the terrible words “The End.” If you read the book yourself, you will find out whether love can overcome evil or not.
Summarizing: A great book by a great writer. A page-turner and an excellent introduction to Russia’s history in the 20th century.
Here you can find the book and read the first part, en hier in het Nederlands.