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A review by aklibrarychick
The People's Act of Love by James Meek
4.0
This was an interesting book. I enjoyed it, but couldn't say I loved it. The characters were well-developed and mostly likeable. The main character of Samarin was an exception. I never felt like I understood what motivated him - a fairly ordinary childhood didn't seem like the background that a revolutionary would have.
The main theme in this book is as the title suggests - love. Love in all it's various forms; parents for children, children for parents, spouses towards each other, men and women, even the love of order, and of horses (but not in a weird way). There are supporting themes as well, some of which are disturbing (cannibalism, self-mutilation), but they are presented in a way which makes sense to the story and aren't sensationalized.
I learned that there is always room for people to grow and change and to make better choices, and that some decisions are irrevocable. Most of the characters in this novel experience some sort of personal growth for the better during the course of this book. In the midst of war, cold, poverty and isolation, they manage to keep their humanity. Even Samarin, who may be seen as the "villain", makes certain choices that are detrimental to his mission in order to show humanity and compassion to others.
Matula is the only one-dimensional character in this book. How he becomes such a soulless and cruel person is never known.
Enjoyable book, especially for anyone interested in Russian history.
The main theme in this book is as the title suggests - love. Love in all it's various forms; parents for children, children for parents, spouses towards each other, men and women, even the love of order, and of horses (but not in a weird way). There are supporting themes as well, some of which are disturbing (cannibalism, self-mutilation), but they are presented in a way which makes sense to the story and aren't sensationalized.
I learned that there is always room for people to grow and change and to make better choices, and that some decisions are irrevocable. Most of the characters in this novel experience some sort of personal growth for the better during the course of this book. In the midst of war, cold, poverty and isolation, they manage to keep their humanity. Even Samarin, who may be seen as the "villain", makes certain choices that are detrimental to his mission in order to show humanity and compassion to others.
Matula is the only one-dimensional character in this book. How he becomes such a soulless and cruel person is never known.
Enjoyable book, especially for anyone interested in Russian history.