Chernobyl

By: Serhii Plokhy

Narrated by: Ralph Lister

Length: 14 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's Summary

From a preeminent historian of Eastern Europe, the definitive history of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster 

On the morning of April 26, 1986, Europe witnessed the worst nuclear disaster in history: the explosion of a reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Soviet Ukraine. Dozens died of radiation poisoning, fallout contaminated half the continent, and thousands fell ill. 

In Chernobyl, Serhii Plokhy draws on new sources to tell the dramatic stories of the firefighters, scientists, and soldiers who heroically extinguished the nuclear inferno. He lays bare the flaws of the Soviet nuclear industry, tracing the disaster to the authoritarian character of Communist party rule, the regime's control of scientific information, and its emphasis on economic development over all else. 

Today, the risk of another Chernobyl looms in the mismanagement of nuclear power in the developing world. A moving and definitive account, Chernobyl is also an urgent call to action.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2018 Serhii Plokhy (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic Reviews

"Serhii Plokhy has produced a highly [listenable] account of the Chernobyl disaster and its political impact. It is destined to be the authoritative account for years to come." (John Herbst, Director, Eurasia Center, Atlantic Council)

"Serhii Plokhy is uniquely qualified to tell this tragic story: he writes not only as a major historian, but also as someone who was living with his family under the cloud of the Chernobyl disaster at the time. The result is as riveting as a novel." (Mary Elise Sarotte, author of The Collapse: The Accidental Opening of the Berlin Wall) 

"Serhii Plokhy provides the definitive story of the Chernobyl crisis and its aftermath, skillfully covering all angles from the scientific story, the humanitarian and economic costs of the clean-up, the manner in which the explosion forced Gorbachev to jump-start his perestroika reforms, and the igniting of Ukrainian nationalism." (Andrew Wilson, Professor of Ukrainian Studies, UCL)

Great information on Chernobyl and the USSR

I've read a bit on this topic and have seen a few very informative shows. This added to what I've learned and I found it very enjoyable to listen to the narrator.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Interesting

This book mainly covers the political implications of what happened, which I found interesting since I didn’t know much about that.

Well Worth the Time

This book held my interest from the first minute. It is a very interesting look at a huge event. What I found particularly unique is that the book is told from a Soviet perspective without the propaganda. I felt genuinely sorry for the people who were on scene.

I expected to learn about the disaster but was pleasantly surprised at how much I learned about the event, people, landscape, and system around the plant.

I highly recommend this book if you like this kind of book.

Fascinating Details About Soviet Disaster

Serhii Piokhy has written a detailed historical account of the events and circumstances leading to the disaster as well as the struggle to contain it. Also offers interesting views on wider implications of this event in the collapse of the Soviet Union. A great read for anyone interested in contemporary history.

A horrible accident worsened by men in power

The accidental explosions of a nuclear power source is a fear of man come true. The facts were worsened by silence of corrupt political power and untold truths. Audible recording presented with strong voice inflection.

Great Read but concerning.

Concerning that the outcome of this event could and most likely will repeat itself in our lifetime.