Laura L L itibaren Kanbae, Myanmar (Burma) itibaren Kanbae, Myanmar (Burma)

I thought this book was fascinating, but difficult to get through the 530 pages. At times it gets bogged down in listings of committees, sub-committees, and various other Soviet politicians who only make a single appearance. However, the editor does a good job of giving the reader appropriate backgound. The reason to read this book is that it is from a unique perspective among the vast majority of Soviet histories read in the West, that is, from that of a Communist, rather than a dissident. His interpretations of various Soviet policies differ greatly from how the West would view them: that they are beneficial to society as a whole, rather than violations of human rights. His justifications are sometimes laughable, sometimes puzzling, and sometimes world view altering. On the other hand, it's interesting to read about his interpretation of Western systems: what we would say are freedoms, he would call instruments of oppression. The book is nicely divided along historical events, so you can even just read selections. I would recommend 1930's - WWII, Svetlyanka (Stalin's daughter), Stalin's Death, Cuban Missle Crisis, and Defending the Socialist Paradise

awesome