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Title: Highly recommended for history buffs, Orwell fans.
Review: I had (somehow) never heard of this novel before a few weeks ago when I figured I'd go on reader recommendations and buy this. I am glad I did.The novel examines the experience of one N.S. Rubashov, who although fictional, is based on the real life events of some of the heroes of the Soviet political machine who got caught up in the Moscow show trials.That being said, the entire novel is drenched in the psychology of socialist politics. You are at times both endeared to the protagonist, at other times repulsed. His interactions with others as both a political commissar and prisoner are well crafted, and help lend an ever present air of suspense.The reader is offered a detailed look into the illogical nature of the great purges, and the manipulation of political prisoners, as well as the differing attitudes of the old guard versus the new.I would recommend this book if you enjoyed 1984, Animal Farm, Fahrenheit 451, or A Brave New World.
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