poenaestante's review against another edition
2.0
This book felt less like a journal and more like a recounting of events with lots of literary flourishes. As critical as Lee is of those Russians she encounters who are either affirmed party loyalists or shady KGB spies, her tales read like the same sort of shallow observations that must have filled KGB files. The images she paints and the characters she describes are colorful and interesting, but the utter lack of plot or point does them all a massive disservice.
adt's review against another edition
4.0
Author captured some timeless characteristics of the Russian people. At least between late 1970's and 1992. I was in Russian 1990-92 and the author evoked memories of my similar experiences. The book is easily read and captures the humanity of each character: full of life, strength and weakness. Note: There is a full chapter on the author's visit to triple-agent Victor Louis' "dacha" outside Peredelkino.
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