The Last Days of Stalin
- Narrated by:
- Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Release Date:04-28-16
- Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
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Publisher's Summary
A scholarly, absorbing narrative of Stalin's last days and the turbulent wake of his dictatorship.
Joshua Rubenstein's riveting account takes us back to the second half of 1952, when no one could foresee an end to Joseph Stalin's murderous regime. He was poised to challenge the newly elected US president, Dwight Eisenhower, with armed force and was also broadening a vicious campaign against Soviet Jews. Stalin's sudden collapse and death in March 1953 was as dramatic and mysterious as his life. It is no overstatement to say that his passing marked a major turning point in the 20th century.
The Last Days of Stalin is an engaging, briskly told account of the dictator's final active months, the vigil at his deathbed, and the unfolding of Soviet and international events in the months after his death. Rubenstein throws fresh light on the devious plotting of Beria, Malenkov, Khrushchev, and other "comrades-in-arms" who well understood the significance of the dictator's impending death; the witness-documented events of his death as compared to official published versions; Stalin's rumored plans to forcibly exile Soviet Jews; the responses of Eisenhower and Secretary of State Dulles to the Kremlin's conciliatory gestures after Stalin's death; and the momentous repercussions when Stalin's regime of terror was cut short.
©2016 Joshua Rubenstein (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
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What Members Say
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"Extremely interesting"
If you could sum up The Last Days of Stalin in three words, what would they be?Very interesting and easy to listen to. I love it.
What did you like best about this story?Additional information; research is obviously well done.
Have you listened to any of Arthur Morey’s other performances before? How does this one compare?I have not.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?I did not expect to.
Any additional comments?I will look for more recordings by Morey and books by Rubenstein.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful -
"Insightful and enjoyable "
Filled a gap in my understanding the USSR history and policy. Morey's narration is engaging.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful -
"Fascinating historical narrative"
Brilliantly researched, gripping account of the circumstances, intrigue and political dynamics in the USSR before, during and after Stalin's death, along with revelations about missed opportunities for diplomacy on the part of E
0 of 0 people found this review helpful -
"JUST A LITTLE TOO DULL"
Any additional comments?Stalin was an amazing character, evil to the bone but still an incredible person in history. This book I thought would reflect on his life by showing what happened after his death & how political polices & relationships would change after he died. It did do that but it is very dry indeed. One does not expect a thriller, & is well researched but all rather bland. So much about one political says this, then another says that, then someone else puts in their two pennies worth. Even the ongoing division of Berlin was rather dull mainly based around what American politicians were thinking. I kept falling asleep.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful -
"What happened after Stalin died?"
What did you love best about The Last Days of Stalin?It was efficiently well-written and well read.
Would you recommend The Last Days of Stalin to your friends? Why or why not?Yes if they have some knowledge about Stalin's importance.
Have you listened to any of Arthur Morey’s other performances before? How does this one compare?No. He is a good narrator.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?It's not the kind of book that moves you. Most of the people are Soviet thugs.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful -
"Awful"
What disappointed you about The Last Days of Stalin?I am a student of Russian history and thought this book might have had potential but the author loses in in the minutiae of Moscow after Stalin's death. It is rare I cannot finish an audiobook but the narration and story were just awful
What do you think your next listen will be?Not sure
Would you be willing to try another one of Arthur Morey’s performances?No
What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?Disappointment
2 of 4 people found this review helpful -
"An excellent overview of the final days of Stalin."
If you could sum up The Last Days of Stalin in three words, what would they be?Detailed, excellent, well.
Who was your favorite character and why?Everyone, even Stalin himself.
What didn’t you like about Arthur Morey’s performance?It only seems to be narration, no accents, nothing that interested me.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?Yes.
Any additional comments?A must-have for fans of the USSR's history.
2 of 9 people found this review helpful
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