Stalin's Children: Three Generations of Love, War, and Survival
Author:
Genre: History
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genre: History
Book Type: Paperback
Karmen F. reviewed on + 9 more book reviews
alin's purges at their most intimate level. Over 30 million people were lost to his insecurity.
This book covers two generations (mother, grandfather) up to his own. Owen Matthews writes intimately but not overly emotionally of the pain visited upon his mother's family. The Russian epoch includes Owen and his finding of a Russian spouse.
The largest part of the book deals with his parents' rather improbable romance. His father, Mervyn Matthews, to escape his background, became enamored with Russia. His fascination found him in Russia first with the British embassy. Then on an educational exchange he meets Lyudmila who shares his disturbed history, emotional and physical. Their relationship builds until they are engaged. The Russian bureaucracy and the KGB refuse their permit to marry as Mervyn refused to collaborate with the KGB after several very expensive overtures. He was promptly declared persona non grata and left without Lyudmila. It took five years and dogged determination on Mervyn's part to finally allow Lyudmila an exit visa. During their separation, the letters were more powerful and lasted longer than the love in their marriage.
I would have liked to have some more background information but the very very basics were covered especially the Lubyanka prison.
I would recommend this book to any Russian history buff looking for a more personal view on the Stalinist purge.
This book covers two generations (mother, grandfather) up to his own. Owen Matthews writes intimately but not overly emotionally of the pain visited upon his mother's family. The Russian epoch includes Owen and his finding of a Russian spouse.
The largest part of the book deals with his parents' rather improbable romance. His father, Mervyn Matthews, to escape his background, became enamored with Russia. His fascination found him in Russia first with the British embassy. Then on an educational exchange he meets Lyudmila who shares his disturbed history, emotional and physical. Their relationship builds until they are engaged. The Russian bureaucracy and the KGB refuse their permit to marry as Mervyn refused to collaborate with the KGB after several very expensive overtures. He was promptly declared persona non grata and left without Lyudmila. It took five years and dogged determination on Mervyn's part to finally allow Lyudmila an exit visa. During their separation, the letters were more powerful and lasted longer than the love in their marriage.
I would have liked to have some more background information but the very very basics were covered especially the Lubyanka prison.
I would recommend this book to any Russian history buff looking for a more personal view on the Stalinist purge.
