Reviews

Everything Flows by Vasily Grossman

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kiri_johnston's review against another edition

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dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

paulataua's review

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4.0

Everything flows begins with Ivan’s release from a prison camp after thirty years and his return into a Russian society still suffering from the dehumanizing effects of Stalin's determined attempt to bring about socialism in one country. It doesn’t really read as a novel, but introduces characters and their stories to throw light on the horrors of that age: the gulags, the liquidation of the kulaks as a class, and the lengths to which people had to go to stay alive. A harrowing yet fascinating read.

hwoodruff98's review

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4.0

This book actually made me write the line: “Perhaps, even if you never discover it, the search for Truth is vital to the emotional journey of coming to terms with past trauma and finding the strength to move forward." And that, kids, is what happens when you try to write an essay on censorship after an Emotional therapy session.

clairewyck's review

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.25

karen's review

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5.0

Beautiful. The tone of Everything Flows is more philosophical than Life and Fate, and perhaps more reflective of the author's perspective as an individual. This was a very satisfying read; it felt like a natural sequel to Life and Fate.

jrt_lit's review against another edition

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dark reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

vanjr's review against another edition

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4.0

This book certainly flows well, but does have a little rough water towards the end where its polemic regarding Stalin and Lenin drags a little. I do think he has an interesting way of viewing Russian history with it being one of slavery rather than freedom.
The experiences one sees from Grossman and other Soviet era writers is fascinatingly similar. Highly recommended for those who are interested in the Soviet experience-and as the final chapter nicely demonstrates the human experience.