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A review by izzysilverausten
Lost Kingdom: A History of Russian Nationalism from Ivan the Great to Vladimir Putin by Serhii Plokhy
5.0
Absolutely sensational. It felt like reading an ancient storybook that depicts a whole new world. Serhii Plokhy's hard work disseminating and collating Russian historical information throughout the book in an even (though almost perfectly even) manner. I say this because the chapters that narrated the Russian medieval times up to the late 19th century were fable-like in the sense that I was immersed in historical Russia (or Rus') and experienced the events unfolding. Afterwards, it gets a bit too statistical and logical for my taste. Yet, it is still very informative and engaging with such smooth writing.
I now understand why Russia is suffering from finding a "national" identity, and why the wars it rages go on. However, their actions are still not justifiable.
The book gives notable mainstream Russian figures such as Ivan the Great, Stalin, Lenin and Putin character whom you see as humans with their own convictions or beliefs, challenges, fears and goals (though very extreme). This doesn't, however, diminish the crimes they've committed.
10/10 recommendation for anyone wishing to learn Russian history or world history. I will admit though, that reading this book does require a little extra capacity and full engagement.
I now understand why Russia is suffering from finding a "national" identity, and why the wars it rages go on. However, their actions are still not justifiable.
The book gives notable mainstream Russian figures such as Ivan the Great, Stalin, Lenin and Putin character whom you see as humans with their own convictions or beliefs, challenges, fears and goals (though very extreme). This doesn't, however, diminish the crimes they've committed.
10/10 recommendation for anyone wishing to learn Russian history or world history. I will admit though, that reading this book does require a little extra capacity and full engagement.