The result of a unique international collaborative investigation by Russian; French; and Swiss scholars into hundreds of private; unpublished diaries found in remote libraries; archives; and family holdings; Intimacy and Terror paints a broad picture of Russian life during the harshest years of Stalin’s reign. The ten diaries reveal the day-to-day thoughts of ordinary citizens; some far removed from political turmoil; some closely enmeshed. Together they paint an extraordinarily broad portrait of Russian life in the thirties; their insights into the daily life of that time have astonished even the Russian historians who read the original manuscripts. The diarists range from the ambitious literary bureaucrat who moves forward by denouncing his colleagues to the young unlettered careerist learning the ways of Soviet success; from the wife of a government bureaucrat; who writes in a pure Stalinist prose; to the candid thoughts and uncertainties of a dissident; from a provincial sailor on a distant Arctic vessel to Moscow intellectuals who meet and recount their conversations with Anna Akhmatova. Some of the diarists are wholly oblivious to the terrors of Stalin's purges; others see the failures of the regime as clearly as those writing today.To set the diaries in context; the book begins with a “Chronicle of the Year 1937â€â€”an extraordinary montage comprised of excerpts from the daily newspaper Izvestiya juxtaposed with corresponding entries from am collective farmer’s diary—and also includes a chronology of major events in the Soviet Union during the latter half of the decade. The diaries bring us the true-life counterparts of characters we remember from classic Russian literature. Intimacy and Terror provides an unprecedented; intimate view of daily life in Russia at the height of Stalinism.
#4858279 in Books 1998-01-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.34 x .59 x 6.42l; 1.05 #File Name: 1563114518160 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great Book.By Lorraine SmithGreat book. My cousin was there and it speaks about him in the book. It is a good and easy read about the personal trials and tribulations and how the brotherhood and watching each other's backs are the main concern of each soldier that is fighting for their country and their own lives.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. One of the Best Books on the average GI's life in KoreaBy A CustomerFranklin Kestner's book is a must read for all of us interested in the trials and tribulations of the average GI's life in combat. Franklin has an unusual way of isolating all the frustrations associated with the Military life and putting it in terms we can all appreciate.I would suggest that if you found this book interesting please read his book TO THE LAST MAN about his experiences with Company D at the Chosin Reservoir.His email address is DAWG21@AOL.com He is an exceptional individual.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A "must read" for history buffs.By A CustomerThis book is a "must read" for anyone interested in learning about the Korean War. The day to day experiences of Sgt Kestner are riveting. You won't want to put the book down. This book should be in every reference library concerned with the Korean War. Wes Guthals; Lt.Col.USAF(ret).
