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There are currently 25 member reviews
for Caught in the Revolution
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Joan P. (Owego, NY)
Caught in the Revolution
I found this book a pleasant surprise. It made clear a very confusing and complicated time in history. By culling the experiences of the Petrograd ex-patriot community, through old letters and diaries, we got a first hand account of the daily events during the months leading up to the October revolt and the actual takeover. It made clear the many factions opposing one another and how the Bolsheviks a well organized minority became the ultimate winners. The actual words of the people who were there made history come alive.
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Sandra H. (St. Cloud, MN)
History at its Best
Just finished this absolutely fascinating book about the revolution that set up the Russia of today. It is 1917 and Tzar Nicholas under pressure abdicates. But this book focuses on the results of that abdication in Petrogad ( St. Petersburg) through contemporary letters and diaries of those stationed in embassies, of visitors and other foreigners during the revolution. I was fascinated by Rappaport's reporting feeling as if I too were there appalled, disbelieving and freezing. I learned more about Russia and how the Bolsheviks destroyed the "old" ruling monarchy and the rise of Lenin and Trotsky as I watched the destruction that led eventually to Putin's Russia than any history course could have told me.
Don't miss this book!
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Peggy K. (San Diego, CA)
Red October
Gripping story of the Russian Revolution seen through the eyes of visitors, diplomats and other foreign nationals. Having nowhere else to go really they were witnesses and sometimes victims at the beginning of this revolution. The book reads like fiction in that it feels unbelievable but this is a very real story of the disintegration of a nation.
This book opens up the events of the Russian revolution in a way none has before. It should appeal to all history lovers but also for the young students today who often think that history is boring.
Book clubs will love this book. So many questions here to be fielded and discussed.
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Tiffany April G. (Southfield, MI)
French Revolution
Do you love history? If so, this book is for you! This book was beautiful crafted. This book is taking the readers back to the time of 1917 in Petrograd, Russia. As most history buffs know this was a time that is better known as the French Revolution. This book makes a person feel they have traveled back in time. The author gives superb researched on this event.
An event that not only history buffs would love, folks that like to know about the culture of early Russia as well. When reading the first few sentences, you develop a love for this book. Yesterday, I was half way though the book. This is not a history book that starts off with a promise and then go into the abyss. This is story that provided answers about the French Revolution. Last night, I could not take the suspense anymore and I stayed up all night finishing this book. I have this book on my list of books to read again.
Are you looking for an actual history story that will take you into adventure? If so, this book is for you. Again, anyone that loves history should read this. If you already know about the French Revolution, or want to learn it, then grab this book! As history buffs, we know that despite our knowledge, we still are hungry to learn more. Yes, this book is like the French Revolution. Again, it is story that will make you feel as if you were there. That type of experience for any history buff is the best journey.
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John W. (Saint Louis, MO)
Feel Like You Are Present During the 1917 Russian Revolution
Rappaport has written an amazing account of what happened in 1917 Russia. The book begins with Russia at war and flooded with refugees. Despite a war and the challenges that it brought life for the Russian citizens, the Petrograd large foreign community as well as international industry were sheltered from its horror.
The book is told through the perspective of several foreigners (diplomats, merchants, journalists, entrepreneurs and charity workers) staying at the Hotel Astoria. The author reveals how little these people understood what was happening outside of their luxury hotel - anarchists plotted revolution or the poor waited in line for soup.
It's a wonderful read, full of larger than life characters with the accounts of the Revolution vivid and frightening. While I loved the book as written, I would have enjoyed hearing the perspective of Russians as well as a perspective of events that were occurring outside of the capital.
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Viqui G. (State College, PA)
Caught in the Revolution
I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this book because I learned a lot of information about the Russian revolution/s. I also liked the fact that the reader is following the upheaval in Petrograd in successive order. It adds a realistic sense of drama and foreboding which I'm sure was present in that city in 1917. As a middle class person in the 21st century it is a little hard to imagine the extremes of violence that occurred in Petrograd that year. However, the author's depictions of the depths of poverty and starvation vs the wealthy lifestyle of the rich Russians made it easier to understand the reason for the revolutions. I recommend this book to anyone interested in a birds-eye view of the dissolution of the Russian tsarist rule and ensuing revolt of the populace that lead to the Russian revolution.
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Kim L. (Park Ridge, IL)
Thrilling
The author presented a comprehensive view of the Russian Revolution. This book depicted the tragedy for the Russian people and for those who were brutalized by it. It brought to life the fear and realization of the brutality forces at work behind the revolution.
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