Over the past few months, I have kept up on my reading, focusing on Russian history and culture (with the notable exception of "In Cold Blood", which I found entertaining). As a result of my reading experience, I thought I would give my opinions in order to possibly give others a starting point for entering the exciting world of Russian literature and history!
I will start with "Master and Margarita" written by Mikhail Bulgakov. This book is a satire of Soviet life during the Stalin era, and it may be the most popular work of fiction in Russia since the writings of Pushkin. It's existence is an interesting story in its own right. The novel first appeared in serial form near the end of the political "thaw" that was the Khrushchev era. Despite this fact, Many intellectuals and observers were surprised to see such a bold work officially published in the Soviet Union (naturally there was a degree of censorship, but uncensored versions appeared in the "samizdat", or underground press). The book combines humor, fantasy, and satire, with great characters ranging from a talking cat and Pontius Pilate to Satan himself. Bulgakov's main message is artistic freedom, himself a victim of the stifling working environment and the proscribed limits of expression that surrounded everyone during Stalin's rule. It is with this in mind, that the modern reader can attain an interesting insight into Soviet life, while being entertained by a vivid imagination that Bulgakov fortunately revealed to the world.
The second book that I've read and am currently rereading is the world famous "Ten Days that Shook the World" by John Reed. John Reed was a radical American journalist working in Russia during the first world war. His book is the only first hand on the spot account of the Russian Revolution (complete with the typical sensationalism that we have become accustomed to from journalists). While the book shows an obvious bias due to Reed's political leanings, it still gives a great look at the frantic excitement that accompanies every revolution. With complete speeches taken verbatim from its leaders and a fantastic introduction that gives the reader a list of the numerous parties and organizations in revolutionary Russia and what they were (a must for those going in with a limited knowledge of Russian history), this book provides a fine introduction into the beginning days of Communist Russia. Reed would die soon after, (but not before being one of the founders of the American Communist Party) becoming the only American buried in the Kremlin wall. In conclusion, if all fails and you are too lazy to read a fantastic book, you can go to your local video store and rent "Reds", a movie detailing the life of Reed and his experiences.
-Todd
