Red Winter: One Woman's Struggle to Survive the Russian Revolution

by Kyra Kaptzan Robinov

When murderous Bolsheviks infiltrate the city of Nikolaevsk-on-Amur in far eastern Siberia in 1920, Luba’s comfortable, upper class life is upended overnight. As her husband is imprisoned and their house overrun with unruly partisan soldiers, Luba finds herself on the run with four small children, her mother-in-law, and epileptic sister-in-law. Pigsties, abandoned warehouses, opium dens are just a few of the places the group seeks refuge as they try to elude capture and stay alive. The little-known history of this exotic time and place is seen through the eyes of a reluctant heroine grappling with adversity and loss during the dangerous political chaos following the overthrow of Tsar Nicholas II. Kyra Kaptzan Robinov has woven her family’s history into a fictional narrative.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Russia

274 pages, Paperback

Published June 3, 2016

Reviews

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Told through the eyes of 'how the writer imagines her grandmother would have seen the fate that befell her family'; and the writer does explain in her preface (author's note) how throughout her life both her grandmother and father told stories, which: 'always seemed more like escapades than reality'. The writer's research led her to uncover what she believes to be a far more harrowing set of events; and so, we are told this is fiction based upon the real-life of real-people.

My grandmother was but two-years old in 1919, she escaped the claws of the 'Bolshevik Henchmen' in much the same way as this family did. Most of the stories, I was told where by my grandmother, when in my teens and she was in her 70's. My great-grandmother managed to bring with her, in her 'harrowing' trek across Europe, the 'Family-Book', which records the the families history as far back as 18C. The fates that befell, those left behind was added to this book by my great-grandmother; her husband died in early 1920, as the family made its escape through Ukraine.

I have visited Russia and found family members; and still found researching what happened to my family members, if not impossible, then nigh-on. What little I have uncovered is simply, maybes, and notions; and these are from family members whose descendants remained in country.

My grandmother and mother spared no detail and made not light of what happened.

I cannot even imagine how difficult it must have been for the author to uncover the facts: I tip my hat.

The ordeal this family were made to endure (and that is the story, they did endure) is no shock and it can be seen as equal to thousands and thousand of other families. In this, the writer has tried to explore the actions, emotions, reactions and thoughts that may have occurred within the family as their lives were being turned upside-down. It is, I would say, a difficult challenge to take on; and I was left wary of how that did come across. Although, I fully understand how the writer might want to delve that deep.

What did happed has been written by historians, but I've found few personal stories of families that suffered and endured the social collapse following the October Revolution. This, I think, is a much needed offering. I thank the writer for it.

[Mirta Trupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully and intelligently written novel. I was hooked with the first few paragraphs, so much so, that I completed the book in one day. That is not to say that this work is a quick or easy read; there is a certain depth to the writing. The author expertly allows us to feel the bitterness of the snow or luxuriate in the warmth of a fur coat, to savor the smoked salmon, hearty soups and succulent vareniki, and harder still, to be gripped with fear and anxiety, but yet have the courage to fight on. There are moments of joy, nostalgia and achievement, but there is no escaping the dark and terrifying story of what happened to the people of Nikolaevsk-on-Amur. I am also of "Russian" descent, my Jewish ancestors lived in various locations of this vast empire. This was a moving- poignant- account that hit home for me. That being said, in the end, the Universal Truths evident in the powerhouse that was Luba, and those within her circle of family and friends, made this a story easily relatable to a wide and diverse audience. Congratulations to the author for bringing this story to light and honoring her ancestors.

[Heidi Slowinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikolaevsk-on-Amur was a peaceful, frozen hamlet in Eastern Siberia, isolated from the rest of Russia and its political unrest. Until the winter of 1920, when Bolsheviks found their way into the town, arresting opposition party members, business owners, foreigners, and Jews. This idyllic village was suddenly turned into a war zone. Ilya, a well-known and respected newspaper editor and lawyer is among those arrested and imprisoned, leaving his wife, Luba, alone to defend the lives of their young children and that of his mother.

Luba's story is nothing short of heroic as she finds her life of comfort and privilege turned upside down when her home is billeted by Bolshevik invaders, making a mess of the home and laying waste to her family's winter provisions. Seeking help from what friends remain to her, she is forced to hide her family in pigsties, an opium den, and an abandoned warehouse.

This work of historical fiction is based on the author's own family history. The fictional character, Luba, was based on her grandmother, who survived the Russian revolution.

Luba's tenacity and resourcefulness are really incredible. Living in a household with her domineering mother-in-law, who still very much takes charge of the day to day running of their household, with the assistance of servants who are tasked with preparing meals, cleaning, and caring for her children, Luba is able to live something of a charmed life. Her transition in the wake of the Bolsheviks invading her town and her home, is really remarkable. When faced with such challenging circumstances, she shows unbelievable strength.

I'll close by saying I enjoyed the author's use of vivid imagery and careful attention to historical accuracy. This is well-worth adding to your reading list.

[Ronald French · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engagingly written true story of a wealthy Jewish family's escape from the Bolshevik Red Terror in the far East of Russia, in late 1919-early 2020. This is a theatre of war largely forgotten by traditional writers and although the suffering is every bit as horrific as what occurred in St Petersburg and Moscow, is very very different. Although labelled as historical fiction, the story could quite honestly have been designated biographical historical non-fiction, the detail is so vivid. The family suffered hugely in their flight and had to rely on the generosity of strangers, risking their own lives, to save them. A good read for those wishing to experience and understand how it is possible to survive the impossible.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was surprised that I didn't like this book more. Russian historical fiction has long been one of my favorite genres. It boils down to I just didn't like the main characters very much.

[Amy Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark tale filled with courage

This book is based on real events, which make it that more compelling. It's filled with courage and bravery from the most desperate and disparaging events that someone can face. It's a story that takes place during the Russian revolution, and the chronicles of survival. It's a provocative story that makes you take a deep breath, wipe a tear, and continue on. It's beautifully put together and makes you not want to put it down. It gives a unique perspective of survival and terrorizing experiences.

[Adam Spunberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well-written book that tells a deeply personal and meaningful story. I was very surprised to learn there was an area of the world where Russians, Chinese, and Japanese were living in relative harmony, and that this advanced cultural melting pot was then so easily destroyed.

Let’s hope these dark days of the past are not a permanent mark of human nature, but something we can avoid in the future as civilization advances.

Highly recommend!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a moving and poignant story of a small Siberian Russian town's destruction following the Russian revolution. It is fiction but based on the author's family experiences and it is a heart breaking story. Another one of the many, many small historical events that are over looked and forgotten with time. An interesting read that had me absorbed.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.

[Feather Chelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking

This book really makes you appreciate the tenacity of the human spirit in times of peril. The author did a lot of research to convey the true story of her grandparents and wove their experiences into a beautiful tapestry of literature. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction and/or books based upon real events would enjoy this read. I’m looking forward to reading more from this talented author in the future.

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story set in 1920 in far Eastern Siberia. What I love most, besides how well the story is told, is that the author's family history is woven into this story making it incredibly realistic. Based on facts, this story is a frightening account of the world today.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Huw Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting fictionalisation of the author’s family story. Sad story with death and violence. Written in a simple unflowery style which I found rather disjointed and lacking some literary colour and discription. That said it’s a good story which I read to it’s conclusion.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Found this book difficult to follow - disjointed and repetitive in places. Having said that, it was interesting to hear about an event not normally covered in standard history texts.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine a rich young wife living in a remote Siberian town in 1919, married to a rich man with children looked after by a nanny. A young woman who never had nor tempted to make a decision apart from choosing a new hat or material for new clothes. Luba will mature though and will sense danger lurking. However, her husband will not heed to her intuition for he is not used to taking her seriously! When the Reds occupy their home and her husband is arrested, Luba's life and burgeoning personality will be starkly tried! How is she going to respond to the devastating events? No way she was prepared for this kind of life!
Based on the author's great-mother's life, this novel is written with honesty, with beautiful descriptions of the Siberian winter. Tension gets stronger and stronger up to the end of the story.
A live history lesson about a Siberian town and its inhabitants, unknown to many but which will now not be forgotten! Highly recommended!

[Candie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this historical fiction. I loved how the author took their grandparents stories and turned them into this book. I don't know much about the Russian Revolution but some the actions by the invading Russian Reds were shocking. I can't even imagine what the inhabitants of the small town actually went through.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This storyline Captured my attention throughout this book