Michel Krielaars
Michel Krielaars (b. 1961) is a historian, journalist and Russia expert. He has published novels, a short story collection and various books about Russian history, including the prize-winning 'Chekhov’s Spectacles: Travels through Russia', in which he follows in the footsteps of the famous author through Russia. His essay 'At War with Russia' became a bestseller.
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More Michel Krielaars
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Everything for the Motherland
Jewish-Russian authors Isaak Babel and Vasily Grossman worked under oppressive conditions during Stalin’s Great Terror. Initially optimistic of the future for post-revolution Russia, and believing that mild criticism of the Soviet system was possible, they both had to confront the appalling reality of Stalinism in the end.
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The Sound of Utopia
When the Soviets took power in Russia, not only did politics and the economy change, but so did culture as artists saw their craft turning into a matter of life or death. Through the fascinating lives of ten famous and lesser-known musicians, historian and Russia expert Michel Krielaars recounts how radically Stalin’s reign altered the tone of music throughout the USSR. The product is a well-written, nuanced portrait of a surreal world of wonderful music and unspeakable horror.