Orlando Figes' The Whisperers is a groundbreaking account of daily life in the chaotic and paranoid atmosphere of Stalinist Russia. Exploring the inner life of a Russia where everyone was afraid to talk and society spoke in whispers, whether to protect friends and family - or to betray them - Orlando Figes tells the story of how Russians tried to endure life under Stalin's Terror. Where a junior worker might inform on their superior to get their job; a husband to get rid of a lover; a neighbour out of petty jealousy. ...
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Orlando Figes' The Whisperers is a groundbreaking account of daily life in the chaotic and paranoid atmosphere of Stalinist Russia. Exploring the inner life of a Russia where everyone was afraid to talk and society spoke in whispers, whether to protect friends and family - or to betray them - Orlando Figes tells the story of how Russians tried to endure life under Stalin's Terror. Where a junior worker might inform on their superior to get their job; a husband to get rid of a lover; a neighbour out of petty jealousy. Where living a double life became the norm and yet, somehow, a few defied the state. Those who shaped the political system became, very frequently, its victims. Those who were its victims were frequently quite blameless. Drawing on hundreds of family archives from across the whole spectrum of Russian society, The Whisperers recreates the sort of maze in which Russians found themselves, where an unwitting wrong turn could either destroy a family or, perversely, later save it: a society in which everyone spoke in whispers - whether to protect themselves, their families, neighbours or friends - or to inform on them. 'Wonderful ... an amazing panoramic view ... I've rarely read anything like it' Claire Tomalin 'Awesome ... one of the most unforgettable books I have ever read. I defy anyone to read it without weeping at its human suffering, cruelty and courage' Simon Sebag Montefiore, Mail on Sunday 'This is a heart-rending book ... its importance cannot be overestimated ... This book should be made compulsory reading in Russia today' Antony Beevor, author Of Stalingrad 'A masterful account of lost and stolen lives' Sunday Times Orlando Figes is Professor of History at Birkbeck College, University of London. He is the author of Peasant Russia, Civil War, A Peoples Tragedy, Natasha's Dance and The Whisperers. He lives in Cambridge and London. His books have been translated into over twenty languages.
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Add this copy of Whisperers: Private Life in Stalin's Russia to cart. $4.17, very good condition, Sold by More Than Words rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Waltham, MA, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Penguin Books Ltd.
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Good. Good condition. A copy that has been read but remains intact. May contain markings such as bookplates, stamps, limited notes and highlighting, or a few light stains.
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
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Book is considered to be in good or better condition. The actual cover image may not match the stock photo. Hard cover books may show signs of wear on the spine cover or dust jacket. Paperback book may show signs of wear on spine or cover as well as having a slight bend or curve to it. Book should have no writing inside or highlighting. Pages should be free of tears or creasing. Stickers should not be present on cover or elsewhere and any CD or DVD expected with the book is included. Book is not a former library copy.
Add this copy of The Whisperers: Private Life in Stalin's Russia to cart. $11.95, good condition, Sold by Sessions Book Sales rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Birmingham, AL, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by Metropolitan Books/Henry Holt.
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Good to Very Good in Very Good jacket. Stalin's Russia 739 pages. Illustrated. Yellow highlighting on multiple pages of Chapter 9, Memory, and in the Notes section.
One knew that the Soviet Union under Stalin was a horrible place to live, but never quite appreciated how very bad it was. These are the personal stories of individuals who lived -- or often did not live -- in Stalin's time. It was just sheer evil.
Alan G
Feb 10, 2011
Highly relevant!
Orlando Figes' "The Whisperers" provides a shocking insight into life in the old Soviet Union as ordinary people lived it day in and day out. In down to earth terms, the author details how the socialist establishment subverted family life with the goal of producing a compliant populace. Reading this book makes you appreciate the momentous nature of Russia's emergence from Communist tyrrany.
