A review by samantha_shain
Amiable with Big Teeth by Claude McKay

5.0

Although some parts of the book read as speeches strung together, I think it actually works as a compelling literary device in a novel that is set up to interrogate the stereotypes of single issue Stalinists. I would say this book is not a great recommendation for readers who are not already well versed (to some extent) in the events of the Russian revolution and Stalinism. However, for readers who are, this is a fascinating and well written novel! I will be thinking about the questions raised in the text for years to come. I’m really glad I found this book in a little free library and it was a great follow up (unplanned!) to the 945 pg tome I just finished on the USSR.