Ļeņina harēms

by William Burton McCormick, Viljams Bērtons Makormiks, Andžela Šuvajeva (translator)

Viljama Bērtona Makormika romāns "Ļeņina harēms" ir aizraujošs vēstījums par trauksmainajiem 20. gadsimta notikumiem, latviešu nācijas veidošanos, sarkanajiem strēlniekiem un centieniem saglabāt patību laikmetu griežos. Niansēts vēsturisko notikumu apraksts un dziļš cilvēka pārdzīvojumu atainojums ļauj salīdzināt šo romānu ar Pasternaka un Solžeņicina darbiem.

Asiņainais 1905. gads. Kurzemes guberņu pāršalc tautas bruņotā sacelšanās. Baltvācu muižnieku Rūku ģimene ir spiesta visu pamest un bēgt no agrāk tik paklausīgo kalpu naida. Zaudējot mājas un mantojumu, jaunā aristokrāta Viktora Rūka dzīve sagriežas ar kājām gaisā.

Pret paša gribu iesaukts Krievijas armijā, viņš piedalās Pirmajā pasaules karā un boļševiku revolūcijā. Izprazdams baltiešu brīvības alkas un nicinādams totalitāro režīmu Maskavā, Viktors nejūtas piederīgs nedz baltvācu muižniecībai, nedz arī jaunajai komunistiskajai pārvaldei. Liktenim labpatīk jokot: Viktors nonāk Ļeņina harēmā jeb sarkano strēlnieku pulkā. Viņš slēpj savu aristokrātisko izcelsmi, sadraudzējas ar strēlniekiem un iemīlas jaunā komunistē. Karam beidzoties, Viktors atgriežas dzimtenē – nu jau neatkarīgajā Latvijā. Taču drīz pie viņa durvīm klaudzina Staļina režīma garā roka...

Viljams Bērtons Makormiks (William Burton McCormick) ir amerikāņu rakstnieks, absolvējis Brauna Universitāti un ieguvis mağistra grādu Mančestras Universitātes rakstniecības studiju programmā. Autors ir dzīvojis Latvijā un Krievijā, kur vācis materiālus un rakstījis savu pirmo romānu “Ļeņina harēms”.

No angļu valodas tulkojusi Andžela Šuvajeva.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Russia, Historical, War

312 pages, Hardcover

First published December 6, 2012

About the author

William Burton McCormick was born in Maryland and grew up in Nevada. He has lived in seven countries including Latvia and Russia where he researched and wrote his first novel Lenin’s Harem.

William graduated from Brown University with degrees in Ancient Studies and Computer Science and earned an MA in Novel Writing from the University of Manchester. He has won awards in the production of computer games and educational software, co-owned a company to reduce junk e-mail, and worked as an executive recruiter in the Washington D.C. area. He also studied at Lomonosov Moscow State University.

William’s short fiction has appeared in "The Saturday Evening Post", "Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine", “Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine", "Sherlock Holmes Mystery Magazine" and included in the "CWA Anthology of Short Stories: Mystery Tour" (Orenda Books). He is a four-time Derringer Finalist

William is a member of Mystery Writers of America, the Crime Writers' Association, International Thriller Writers, and the Historical Novel Society. He was elected a Hawthornden Writing Fellow in 2013.

Reviews

[Spigana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, fast paced, beautiful book with marvellous insight in Latvian history and culture.
I refuse to believe that the author didn't knew anything about Latvia, before starting his research (oh, but he has done so well, exploring all this for 7 years). This book might sparkle the interest in latvian history not only in foreigners, but also on latvians themselves. Author offers truly amazing insight in a harsh subject that is in no way easy to talk about and manages to keep the right balance between historical accuracy and good story telling. The fact that author has been raised without absorbing all the stereotypes and pains on the subject, definitely helps a lot and makes quite a difference.

[C.P. Lesley]

To learn more about Latvia, late imperial/early Soviet Russia, and the background to the writing of Lenin's Harem, listen to William Burton McCormick's interview with New Books in Historical Fiction, available as a free podcast at http://newbooksinhistoricalfiction.co....

Note that I do not rate or review the books of authors I interview, but I very much enjoyed this book (I received a free copy from the publisher in preparation for the interview).

Earlier author interviews can be found on the main NBHF site: http://newbooksinhistoricalfiction.com.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly amazing journey of a Baltic German Land Barons son. The main character Wiktor Rooks survives being run out of his family estate in Latvia when the Lettish burn out most of the old Land Barons. Then WWI rears its ugly head. As the old Barons were paying their taxes to the Tsar in Russia, Wiktor is pressed into service with the Russian army. In this role he is sent, as an officer, into a Lettish division to report back to the Russians of any subversive behavior. All while fighting off the German army from invading Latvia. Soon Wiktor will find himself embroiled in the Russian Revolution and towards the end of the book WWII comes around. That seems like a heck of a lot to fit into only 276 pages. And there is so much more in here as well. And while this seems like a five course meal served up fast food restaurant style let me say that this really works.
All due to the authors amazing skill and almost crazy like attention to detail and research. I was really blown away by this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in this very obscure piece of European history. I will not spoil it but the ending really is amazing. While the author leaves the reader in a pondering position you really got to know that no good will come of it. An ending that just leaves the reader in an emotional state of shock.

[Ieva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atzīstos, ka piederu pie tiem, kas sarkano strēlnieku iesauku „Ļeņina harēms” bija palaiduši gar ausīm līdz šim neievērotu un tāpēc balstoties uz nosaukumu vien kļūdaini nospriedu, ka šis būs kārtējais vareno erotiskās dzīves aprakstu gabals. Un ļoti labi, ka kļūdījos – patiešām patīkami pārmaiņas pēc izlasīt kādu normālu, klasisku vēsturisko romānu.
Sanāk, ka samērā īsā laika posmā šis man bija otrais romāns, ko lasu, kur Latvijas vēsture 20. gs. caurvij kāda baltvācieša dzīvi – pirms pāris mēnešiem lasīju Lejiņa „Kamera obskura” , un nevilšus prātā sākās salīdzināšana - un secināju, ka abi romāni man ļoti patīk.
Ļoti patīkami pārsteidza tas, ka amerikāņu autors pirms rakstīt romānu ir vēsturisko situāciju un vidi izpētījis diezgan pamatīgi, tāpēc lasot nerodas neīstuma sajūta vai kādi patiesībā neiespējami kuriozi.
Bonuss, kas pavisam noteikti līdz galam nopirka mans simpātijas, ir kāda no ne tik galvenajiem tēliem nosaukšana manā uzvārdā. Vispār interesanti, ka tāds tipisks latviešu uzvārds nemaz ne tik bieži literatūrā neuzpeld, un tāpēc vēl jo patīkamāk to sastapt.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: Due to his interest in the history of the Soviet Union, this reader was given an advanced copy of this book.

This is a novel that covers a fascinating time, the Revolution of 1905 - the Second World War in an overlooked place, the Baltics. The main character becomes a prism for an examination of ethnicity, nationality, class, religion, and ideology in this tumultuous time and place. People who enjoyed the film Reds or the BBC miniseries Fall of Eagles will easily be drawn into this engrossing novel of the fate of small Baltic country, Latvia. The book in parts also reminded this reader of Ernst Junger's superb First World War memoir, Storm of Steel.

Note: The cover makes this book look as if it is a straight military history book; while it contains aspects of military history, it is closer to a fictional memoir.

Note: The title makes the subject somewhat difficult to grasp. Lenin's Harem was the name of a Latvian military unit of which the main character was a part.

For those reading on the Kindle, it is clear the publisher took time with this. It is free of the typos and runtogetherwords all too common on e-books. This reader does wish that the maps were adjusted to fill the whole of the Kindle screen; as they are now, they are rather difficult to view. OTOH, a quick goggling will bring up the maps themselves for viewing on the computer screen: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?se...

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Author has literally let us walk with the main character of this book, Latvian aristocrat Wiktor Rooks. We begin with the 1905 uprising in Latvia, and end on the road to WWII.
Wiktor is just a young boy, living with his family on their Estate, when the serf uprising happens. We walk in his shoes throughout this book.
What descriptions of being in the trenches during WWI...could just picture the clouds of gas as they covered the area. He watches the bodies being stacked like cord wood.
We see that you really can trust no One!! Even as an Officer he is mistrusted because of his Aristocrat background. Hard to make any lasting friendship...if their was such a thing.
An excellent read to remember the World in the early 1900's. Although the title made me thing of a lot of Women, it actuality it means...the name of a Latvian military unit of which the main character was a part of. A work of fiction, but packed with truth!

I received this book from Knox Robinson Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Ken Pelham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novel! McCormick drops you convincingly and completely into 1905 Latvia and propels you along to the height of the Second World War, not letting you slip from the spell for even a moment. LENIN'S HAREM serves up no safe, easy answers to the world's problems. Brilliantly rendered.

[Ints · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tīri tā neko grāmata. Vēstures izpēte autoram ir nākusi pa labu, nekādu brāķu nav novērojamu. Uzzināju, ka Latvijas teritorijā pielietoti ķīmiskie ieroči, līdz šim par šādu faktu man nekas nebija zināms.

[Madara Bruģe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amerikānis ar latvieša dvēseli? Makormikam kaut kā izdevās savīt manu uzmanību ap Viktora likteni un piedzīvojumiem caur Latvijas likteņa pagriezieniem.
Makormiks ir sastapts. Makormiks ir apburoši cilvēcīgs un vienkāršs.
Jā. Ļoti, ļoti jā.

[Kaspars · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kopumā ļoti labs romāns, kurā vēsturiskā gaismā ir apskatīts cilvēks un viņa izvēles (piemēram, no baltvāciešu muižnieka uz parastu karavīru, un pēc tam uz civiliedzīvotāju). Liels plus/žetons autoram par to, ka grāmata ir vēsturiski pareizi (proti, nav izdomāti nezin kādi brīnumi, bet lielos vilcienos ir vēsturiski pareizi). Šajā jautājumā noteikti lieli nopelni pienākas autora palīgiem no Latvijas vēstures izpētē, kurus autors grāmatas noslēgumā sadaļā "Pateicības" ir norādījis).
Pašam personiski nebija sanācis dzirdēt, ka "sarkanos" strēlniekus (proti, strēlniekus, kuri pabija Krievijā un sargāja Kremli Pirmā pasaules kara laikā) sauktu par Ļeņina harēmu, līdz ar to, sanāca uzzināt arī kaut ko jaunu no vēstures.

[Liva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lai arī darba galvenais varonis ir izdomāts un arī konkrēts dzīves gājums nav aizgūts kādā reālā personībā, realitātes sajūta netika zudusi nevienā mirklī. Visas grāmatas garumā ir jūtams, ka autors ir ieguldījis milzu darbu, lai viņa aprakstītie notikumi sakristu ar reālajiem notikumiem pasaule - gan kaujas Nāves salā, gan arī Latvijas iedzīvotāju deportācijas.

Plašāk blogā:
http://lalksne.blogspot.com/2014/03/v...

[Emmett Hoops · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superbly exciting

I bought this novel after having read a story by McCormick in the March \ April issue of Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine. I'm certainly glad I did. The author has a uniquely realistic understanding of the nuances of life in Latvia during the first half of the 20th century. And for a first novel, he will surprise you with his knack for keeping you on the edge of your seat. Very highly recommended.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF - I enjoyed this book for the first third, then I decided to abandon it. The first third would get 3 stars from me, for the good history lesson about a part of the world I know nothing about (Latvia). However, about one-third into the book I just got bored. So I quit.
With all the great reviews, perhaps I should have persisted. Oh well. So many books, so little time, is my motto.

[Valdis Mitenbergs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aizraujošs dēku romāns uz Latvijai svarīgāko vēsturisko notikumu fona. Fiction over real historical events, but so exciting!

[Jerry Peace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. And a wonderful argument for anarchism.

[V.S. Kemanis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy historical fiction, tales of war and revolution, political intrigue, psychological suspense, action, family saga, or any of the above, you’ll find it all in Lenin’s Harem, along with a tender love story, all packaged in beautiful prose. Click here to read my full review and a fascinating conversation with the author on my blog.

[Nik Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mcormick has produced a book of vast scope yet deep intimacy. His feeling for the period, the country and the Latvians and Russians shines through on every page of this first person narrative.
Wiktor Rooks and his brother Otomars are made homeless in the turbulent uprisings of 1905, and lucky to get away with their lives. Their manor was but one of two hundred that burned to the ground that winter.
Some nine years later, Wiktor is a Lieutenant in the Russian army, fighting the Germans. We share Wiktor’s privations and despair. The German chlorine gas attack is a particularly fine example of writing.
‘… the gas pooled thicker in still places; a dark clover lurking in the hollow of an oak tree; seeping into old footprints; lying still on a mud puddle; or sleeping in the shadows of marker stones… Wherever there was shelter from a breeze the gas congealed. Like the spirits of those killed seeking to hide from Gabriel’s gathering chariot.’
At the end of the war, Wiktor can become a professor of astronomy – yet he’s unavoidably embroiled in spying, informing – until he too is regarded as suspect in the paranoid society tainted by Stalin.
‘Only the dead have seen the end of war, Wiktor,’ Otomars declared, presciently. When Wiktor and his wife Kaiva are taken away in the middle of the night, the suspense and horror are palpable. For the second time in his life, communists have forced him from his home. A book of betrayal, survival, brotherhood, identity and love that will linger in the mind after the last page has been turned.

[Jean Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is the real enemy? 20th C Eastern Europe, an eye-opener

Totally brilliant. A serious historical epic from the viewpoint of Wiktor Rooks, born into the landowning German upper class in Latvia, trying his best to do what is right and forced into impossible choices. One of the moments in the book that tore me apart was when Wiktor’s lover Kaiva, her face smashed by Russian soldiers, asks him, ‘Why didn’t you fight?’ And yet, throughout the book, he has tried so hard to fight, in all kinds of ways, and he never gives up.

The second half of the book gripped me completely on a personal level because I was drawn into the relationship between Communist Kaiva and sceptical Wiktor. The dinner party in which Wiktor’s aristocratic parents meet his fiancée is gut-wrenching black comedy.

In the first half of the book I felt I was living events in WW1 Latvia (and Russia) and that continued with the introduction of Kaiva, through revolution, then war again. I knew nothing of the politics but followed every vile turn, from the deliberate deployment of Latvian troops on suicide missions to the regular announcements that ‘the government has been replaced’. The details of mustard gas attacks brought home the horrors of war, with neither sensationalism nor heroics. It felt so real!

I am left with the same feelings as when I read ‘Doctor Zhivago’; totally caught up in the attempt of one man to live and love ‘normally’ within a context where war is a useful method for ‘settling accounts’ and disguising genocide.

[Julia Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lenin’s Harem William Burton McCormick
For several weeks before reading this book I was constantly looking for a book that would hold my interest. Lenin’s Harem did just that! From the first chapter to the last, the reader cares about the characters and reads on to see that all their problems are resolved. The historical background of the novel could be ponderous and overwhelming, but it is not so. Even if the reader does not understand the history in all its detail, he or she will understand and care about the characters in this setting. The story reminded me of Dr. Zhivago and Red Badge of Courage merged into one interesting story. Moments of military action, moments of psychological thought, and moments of quiet beauty artfully described combine to keep the reader interested.
This is a good read with an interesting story and beautiful descriptions. The title is misleading, but oh so welcome not to be about women in Lenin’s life, but his followers and soldiers. Interesting choice of title.

[Eloise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Since I was not familiar with either the period or the place, I was interested from the gate-go. I was not disappointed as the German born narrator, Wictok, navigates the muddy waters of life in the Baltic at the turn of the 20th century. I very much enjoyed the cultural study the author presents regarding the struggle between Russians, Germans and Letts. A very good story that takes the reader from the trenches of the Russian Army, to falling in love with someone from the "wrong" culture. I truly enjoyed the political games the narrator needs to play in order to preserve both his rank and his own social and cultural identity, at a time when they run the risk of becoming mutually exclusive. The political backdrop against which the story is set constitutes a wonderful addition without overwhelming the reader who can truly focus on Wiktor's life and struggles. A very fun read.

[Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is historical fiction at its best. When you finish this book you are confused at what was real and what was fiction. The book covers passionately the lives of the residents of Latvia who between 1905 and the present day were ravaged alternately by Russia and Germany. It describes the emotions and lives of ordinary people so well that you feel like you shared the experience. It has many religious, personal and moralistic viewpoints and has a bittersweet sense to life, but one that is portrayed realistically and one that I will not soon forget. A wonderful book.

[Knox Robinson Publishing · Rating 5 out of 5]

"An engrossing and well managed piece of writing, chronicling a fascinating and turbulent period of Russian and Latvian history while never once losing sight of the need to drive the narrative through the personal tale of its hero, Wiktor Rooks."

---Martyn Bedford, Costa shortlisted author of 'Flip'

[Judie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't able to finish reading this book, but I'll try again at some later date. All the reviews were so positive and the beginning of the book was interesting, but by the time we get to Moscow, it just seemed repetitive and I was bored.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing read. This is an interesting period of history but it is necessary to know the details of the underlying period in order to follow the storyline.

[John Christmas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical novel, satisfying on several levels:

- accurate and well-described history of Latvia including the 1905 Revolution and both World Wars

- well developed characters both for building the story and also to understand the different ethnic groups in Latvia

- action and adventure combined with romance as the protagonist strives to do what is right to gain freedom