This is the story of the years before Lenin became the demigod of the Russian revolution. It is a tale of relative poverty, of moving from European capital city to European city and of avoidance of the Russian authorities. Also it is the tale of a strange individual whose personal life, habits and needs were actually pretty unique. Conversely here was a man driven by ideals who by luck, judgement or fate went on to inspire a whole nation also to follow those ideals.

In many places the tale is surprising. I learnt that Lenin spent some time living and working across the street from where I was reading the book, drinking a coffee (not quite sure he would approve as it was a very capitalist Starbucks). Before reading the book I did not realise how far from inevitable the revolution was, nor how ignored the Bolsheviks actually were in their home state. In the end the speedy uprisings came as a shock to Lenin, whose whole life had led to this point. He swiftly returned safely to Russia after a decade or so of being away. A life spent reading, writing and publishing journals.

Rappaport has created a good solid read which kept me pretty entertained. My knowledge of the subject was scant before – the histories I have read of Russia had focussed on the great mass of Russians themselves. It is amazing that seemingly by his own iron will this little shouting man came to embody a nation and an idea. A recommended read to anyone who would like to know more of the Russia of today or the past.

Listen to an interview with author Helen Rappaport on our sister site Bookhugger

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