A review by mgerboc
Stalin: New Biography of a Dictator by Oleg V. Khlevniuk

5.0

An efficient but thoroughly researched biography of one of history’s most enigmatic characters. As a student of revolutionary politics, it was fascinating to read about the rise and success of Bolshevism in Russia. And as a student of American history and current events, this serves as a cautionary tale, warning us about looking at our history through rose tinted glasses and the warmth of nostalgia. In or there words - don’t give in to easy ideas like “make America (or in this case, Russia) great again.” It was never that great, and the people peddling that nostalgia are usually looking to mobilize the masses to consolidate their own power without regard to how the majority of people love be and think.