pickOutstanding biography of the man who became a monster. Simon Sebag Montefiore has a deep understanding of the time, country and context; & new sources that shed light on Stalin‘s early years. It‘s a compelling story told in a pacy, narrative style. Helped me understand how the type of person he was, hard childhood & violent town - combined w his passion for the cause - shaped Stalin. Fascinating, disturbing & nuanced. Highly recommended.
ClairesReads Sounds great- must get hold of this 7y
BarbaraBB Great review. 7y
Abailliekaras @BarbaraBB thanks! @ClairesReads it‘s entertaining, although it feels wrong to say that. 😬😉 7y
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Cinfhen Great review! I've always wanted to read any of SSM's books but they seem so intimidating![[tagged book]](https://image.librarything.com/pics/litsy_webpics/icon_taggedBook@3x.png)
The Romanovs: 1613-1918 7y
The Romanovs: 1613-1918Abailliekaras @Cinfhen thanks! The Romanovs is great too (esp for a Russia novice like me) but long - this one was more fun. 7y
Cinfhen Good to know ! Most of his books are #Chunkstiers 7y
Abailliekaras @Cinfhen yes I don‘t know how he died it (& maintains an engaging pace)! 7y
Abailliekaras *does 7y
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