Darya Silman > Recent Status Updates

It's strange to read a memoir of a committed communist. He describes the struggle with bourgeoisie and Trotskyists in the 1920s... he was an original thoracic surgeon though

THE HEART OF A SURGEON by Fyodor Uglov is a memoir of a Soviet lung surgeon

VILE BODIES are very easy to read, yet I still don't understand relationships between characters. They appear too quickly and in random order.
It's my first Evelyn Waugh book

"In the presence of this blood banner, which represents our Fuehrer, I swear to devote all my energies and my strength to the savior of our country, Adolf Hitler. I am willing and ready to give up my life for him, so help me God." (an oath performed by 10-year-old boys upon entering the Jungvolk)

"I swear by God this sacred oath, that I will render unconditional obedience to Adolf Hitler, the Fuehrer of the German Reich and people, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and will be ready as a brave soldier to risk my life at any time for this oath."

I got to January 30, 1933, when Hitler had become Chancellor

The man who is born to be a dictator is not compelled. He wills it. He is not driven forward, but drives himself. There is nothing immodest about this. Is it immodest for a worker to drive himself toward heavy labor? ... The man who feels called upon to govern a people has no right to say, “If you want me or summon me, I will co-operate.” No! It is his duty to step forward. (Adolf Hitler, 1924)

My second attempt to tame this monster of a book

At last, the story started to run instead of trotting rather aimlessly through the main mystery. Tuppence and Tommy, who acted separately, compare their findings

It's my first Tommy and Tuppence novel ever. I got this 1984 edition for 1 euro

I AM LEGEND turned out to be shorter than I anticipated.
Moving forward to THE SHRINKING MAN

Two novels under one cover: I AM LEGEND and THE SHRINKING MAN

Review to follow. Politically accurate book

There wasn't information about Stalin's repressions in the West in 1939. I just can't... I stumbled upon a scene how Rubashov goes to a barber! The barber room is clean, no guards, and Rubashov is shaven and combed! Once he was all lathered up, the barber made a few strokes with the razor and asked if the blade wasn't scratching, ending his question with 'Citizen Rubashov'.