Return from Siberia

by John Shallman

** Wall Street Journal , Publishers Weekly , and USA Today  Bestseller!**

In the lead-up to the Bolshevik Revolution, one young revolutionary is condemned to exile in Siberia; a hundred years later, his ancestors discover his story and learn just how much history has repeated itself.

In the midst of running a long-shot political campaign, Democratic political consultant John Simon discovers a 100-year-old manuscript written by his grandfather Joseph—a brilliant young revolutionary whose exile to Siberia by the last czar of Russia is just the beginning of an extraordinary tale of survival, romance, and revolution.  Return From Siberia  chronicles not only the Simon family's relationship to each other and the past, but also the remarkable story of a young man who sacrificed everything for his political ideals.

As Joseph's manuscript is translated, chapter-by-chapter, the Simon family is pulled deep into their ancestor’s story— in particular, the bitter rivalry between two brothers, whose competing visions of the American Dream are played out on the campaign trail and in their lives. Return from Siberia is a timely appraisal of modern politics and society juxtaposed with an inside look into the machinations of a young political mind 100 years ago.

The true story documents an extraordinary time of political upheaval in Russia and Europe just prior to World War I while also drawing parallels to current day American politics and the current philosophical and ideological debates about immigration, Democratic Socialism, and Capitalism. Beyond the deep social, political, and philosophical themes, there is romance, adventure, betrayal, suspense, and the struggles of families today and in yesteryear. Return from Siberia  illustrates how one modern family's connection to the past helps them resolve their future.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Adult, Biography

256 pages, Hardcover

Published August 18, 2020

Reviews

[Chelsea Kulhanek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know already that this will be my top book of 2021. John’s narrative, and that of those in his life, is full of moments that are almost too amazing to be true. This relatively brief book is tells a story (or, rather, series of stories) which highlights fundamental questions about society and the human condition, and it is breathtaking.

[Hal · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are two stories going on at the same time and the author does a great job not only switching back and forth but also weaving the stories together. I found the book interesting and enlightening. If you were happy with how our presidential election turned out you will probably enjoy this story even more.

[Hare · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Shallman has written a story of family: Chapters alternate between his grandfather’s story of survival as a political prisoner in tsarist Russia, and his own story-including his work as a political consultant in modern day America. By discovering his grandfather’s story, he realizes that both he and Grandfather Joseph had a common goal: to make our world a better place.

I was curious about some of the fictional elements in the novel and found the following link. Contained within is a chance to watch a virtual interview, courtesy of Chevalier’s in L.A. Enjoy!

chevaliersbooks.com/john-shallman

[Jacob Pagano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed "Return from Siberia" and its fascinating parallel stories: that of John's grandfather, Joseph Rakow, who is exiled to Siberia for his socialist organizing and decades later travels to America, and that of John Simon, an LA-based political organizer fighting for corollary progressive causes--fair wages, opportunities for immigration, and representation in politics. John's book is a reminder that while our lineages might feel like they are writ in water, we need to take the time to consider them carefully--for their literary value, spiritual lessons, and enduring resemblances with our lives, our struggles, and our hopes.

[Rachel Kester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you on the search for an intriguing history read? If so, this might be one to check out. Written by John Shallman, this book tells the story of John Simon, a political consultant who suddenly discovers a century-old manuscript written by his grandfather. As Simon reads it, he discovers how as a young man his grandfather was sent to Siberia by Russia’s czar. He soon learns how his grandfather fought for what was right and didn’t back down despite many adversities.

This book is perfect for those who are looking for an educational yet interesting read. You’ll not only learn about Russian history, but how politics have shaped the world we live in. It’s also packed with suspense and adventure. The book is broken up into two parts so it’s easy to keep track of where the story is moving. At 256 pages, it might take some time to read, but the time investment is definitely worth it.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Shallman skillfully told parallel stories of his grandfather's life in Russia and time spent in Siberia as a socialist revolutionary political prisoner before coming to the U.S. vs. John's present day life as a political consultant and his family. Upon finding the journal of Joseph Rakow in the attic of John's mother, they find a translator for the book, which is written in Yiddish. The chapters are meted out one chapter per month so the family has much to discuss and reflect upon as a backdrop for current events--John is working on the campaign of a Mexican American woman running for Congress against a conservative incumbent and John's oldest son is preparing for his bar mitzvah. The chapters alternate between the life of Joseph Rakow and the Shallman family. I did enjoy the comparisons especially since we are in election season currently and the message of the importance of valuing the contribution of all people. I thought it was a worthwhile read. I was provided a copy of this book for my honest review.

[Steve Wegman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author tells a semi-autobiographical story of his work as a political consultant while mixing in the story of his grandfather’s life in Russia, including 10 years as a political prisoner in Siberia under czar Nicholas.
This could have been a 5 star book, but Shallman decided, who knows why, to make his personal story semi-fictional, which leaves me wondering how much of his grandfather's supposed memoir was true. Surely the editor or publisher could have talked him into using the facts of his own life rather than making up places and situations that are nearly real!?? And then to put pictures of the real in with the fiction - why?
Also, his political leanings are hard-left, which is motly tolerable, until he makes goofy statements like conditions in the US today are like they were under the czar. Yes, in the US the wealthy control most of the wealth, but the poor aren't starving to death and being sent off to Siberia for opposing the government.

[Valery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return from Siberia by John Shallman is a fascinating book that looks at the impact of immigration on families, their histories, and the cumulative effect on society as a whole. The alternating chapters between Joseph's story and John's current life make for captivating reading. The one hundred years of history in between is daunting, but nonetheless important to learn about. There are strong parallels between each life, how the history of our ancestors relates to our present circumstances, and how the impact of immigration can bring power and truth to a society that readily accepts newcomers to the American dream. The story fully captures the struggles and trials many went through, as our families worked their way to America. A very inspiring story, one that motivates, educates, and explores how our differences can unite to make us even stronger as a nation and people.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful message. Very current. Unexpectedly, I think it is best read as a Young Adult book. I would be delighted if my children read it between 13-18. It teaches, and it's real and warm and loving.

I was pretty heavily familiar with most of the topics in the book, so it didn't enlighten or grow me. I also felt that I was reading words directed to "my people" -- people with political leanings like mine -- so it was comfortable but also not something that would convince someone with different political leanings.

Three stars from me because it was good, but I rarely enjoy YA novels.

[Sara Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. How amazing for this man to journal about his life, documenting his 10 year exile in Siberia. What a treasure. I only wish I had something like this so I could understand or learn about what it was like when my great grandparents and grandparents came to America from Eastern Europe.

[Marilee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story; I enjoyed it until the ending which was contrived and a disappointment.

[Oleta S. Kadleck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Confusing

Trying to keep characters straight throughout all the chapters is confusing. The storyline is good but challenging throughout to keep up with the various characters.

[Amy Curtiss · Rating 1 out of 5]

This interview is much better than the book:

http://chevaliersbooks.com/john-shallman

[Stella Maynard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a unique and true book. Insights into the Russian Revolution, exile in Siberia, coming as an immigrant Jew to America, the labor unions, politics.. just a fine book

[Anne Vandenbrink · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the beginning of the book is the claim that circumstances have been changed...to streamline the narrative and add drama. Well, quadruple that for this book. Some claims in the book are so specific and prominent, it would have been documented and able to be verified. It can't. This leads me to believe this book is not entirely non-fiction.
I don't believe his narrative about the Shah of Iran is correct. His beliefs about corporate tax cuts, or trickle down economics, is debatable. However, he states that it's BS without facts to back his claims.
While the story of Joseph Rakow is interesting. His exile to Siberia for 10 years is nothing compared to other non-fiction books I've read about prisoners in that region. He was able to live with the villagers, as one of them, with no more hardships that they themselves endured. Mainly the long harsh winters.
His ancestor's story of dissent with the Russian czars, and support of Lenin and socialism was interwoven with events happening in today's world to show the similar parallels. In my opinion, there's no comparison and his parallels are very weak.
The best line in the book was from his brother, Max, after being reunited with him in America and Joseph was appalled by his lifestyle. Max told Joseph, "Things are different in America. Anyone who works hard enough can live like a king. There is no sin in having money. In fact, it's a blessing...I've worked like a slave to wrest this family out of poverty. If you choose to remain a pauper, so be it."