[A] hilarious and heartbreaking story of a Jewish family’s escape from oppression.--The New York TimesA compelling story of two intertwined journeys: a Jewish refugee family fleeing persecution and a young man seeking to reclaim a shattered past. In the twilight of the Cold War (the late 1980s); nine-year old Lev Golinkin and his family cross the Soviet border with only ten suitcases; $600; and the vague promise of help awaiting in Vienna. Years later; Lev; now an American adult; sets out to retrace his family's long trek; locate the strangers who fought for his freedom; and in the process; gain a future by understanding his past.Lev Golinkin's memoir is the vivid; darkly comic; and poignant story of a young boy in the confusing and often chilling final decade of the Soviet Union. It's also the story of Lev Golinkin; the American man who finally confronts his buried past by returning to Austria and Eastern Europe to track down the strangers who made his escape possible . . . and say thank you. Written with biting; acerbic wit and emotional honesty in the vein of Gary Shteyngart; Jonathan Safran Foer; and David Bezmozgis; Golinkin's search for personal identity set against the relentless currents of history is more than a memoir—it's a portrait of a lost era. This is a thrilling tale of escape and survival; a deeply personal look at the life of a Jewish child caught in the last gasp of the Soviet Union; and a provocative investigation into the power of hatred and the search for belonging. Lev Golinkin achieves an amazing feat—and it marks the debut of a fiercely intelligent; defiant; and unforgettable new voice.
#25711 in Books Robert K Massie 2000-02-01 2000-02-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.30 x 1.40 x 5.50l; 1.17 #File Name: 0345438310640 pagesNicholas and Alexandra
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. If you've ever wondered what Russia was like in the Romanov DynastyBy G. HunterIf you've ever wondered what Russia was like in the Romanov Dynasty; or how everything fell apart; you will love this book. The events are described in great detail; and Massie's encyclopedic descriptions of the people and places involved puts everything in context without bogging us down in stale historical analysis.His books on Peter the Great and Catherine the Great are also excellent.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. About halfway through this book right now. Really well ...By R.RoachAbout halfway through this book right now. Really well written; very interesting for a historical piece. The author utilizes many different sources to make an enjoyable near storybook type narrative that makes it very enjoyable. The only thing I will say is the sections are broken up in a way that bounces around the timeline a but; but it's not determental.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Russian History in intriguing format.By Patricia FoyRobert Massie is an excellent biographer who researches his material thoroughly and presents the history in a manner that engages reader interest. Having recently appreciated his biographies of Peter the Great and Catherine the Great; I knew I would be commencing a work that would keep me turning pages. The sufferings of the Russian peasants are presented with truth and events such as the Bloody Sunday massacre become a turning point in how the people learn their beloved Tsar is not their protective father. Parallel with this depiction we see the Tsar and Tsarina as a loving and devoted couple with their daughters and the precious son. We follow the anguish of a mother who must watch over her son as he suffers torment from haemophilia. A certain section displays the full horror of his suffering. I am about to leave for a vacation in Russia and feel Massie's beiogrphies have prepared me to enjoy fully my experience knowing so much more of the history. I recommend these works.
