I suspect that by now, in 2024, archival documentation might be available regarding the senior Slepak.

This was written back when the twists and turns of the defunct Soviet Regime were still keenly felt and bureaucracy was, as always, fifteen to fifty years behind.

I remember finishing honor studies in Soviet History back in ‘84 - ‘85 and reading quite a lot about dissenters.

The second half of this book felt like I was reading familiar material.

I am rather curious to know whether more information could be gleaned regarding the father.

I was slightly bothered by the folksy dialogue and less “journalistic” style of the second half.

But, of course, Potok is a story teller of the classic vein type.

Perhaps with the passage of time and the possible release of new archival materials, a more comprehensive and detailed understanding of the senior Slepak and the events surrounding him could emerge.

This would not only add to our knowledge of that particular era but also provide a more in-depth perspective on the work of Potok.

It would be interesting to see if the new information would confirm or challenge the existing narrative presented in the book.

Regardless, the availability of archival documentation could potentially offer a valuable resource for further research and exploration.

This content is extremely educational and serves as an excellent crash course in recent Russian/Cold War History.

It provides a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the significant events, political landscapes, and social changes that occurred during this crucial period.

By studying this material, one can gain a better understanding of the complex relationships between Russia and other countries, as well as the impact of the Cold War on the world.

The information presented is not only informative but also engaging, making it accessible to a wide range of audiences.

Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply interested in learning more about this fascinating era, this crash course is an excellent resource.

It offers valuable insights and perspectives that can help you develop a more informed and nuanced understanding of recent Russian/Cold War History.

3.5 stars.

I have a deep love for Russian history. It is truly fascinating, and the way it is written in this work is excellent. The author has managed to bring the events and characters to life in a vivid manner.

However, there is one drawback. It was also quite easy to put down. The narrative jumps around a lot, which can be a bit disorienting at times. As a result, it is sometimes hard to follow the flow of the story and keep track of all the different events and their connections.

Despite this, I still found the book to be an interesting read. It provided me with a lot of new information and insights into Russian history, and I would recommend it to others who are interested in this subject.

Overall, it is a good book, but it could have been even better if the author had been more consistent in the narrative structure.

I believe that I have perused nearly everything else that Potok has penned. However, this particular piece

was not my most favored among his books. Nevertheless, it did possess an element of interest. I have a greater penchant for his fictional creations.

I find that his fictional works have a certain allure and charm that draw me in more deeply. They often transport me to different worlds and introduce me to a diverse cast of characters.

While this particular book may not have reached the same heights for me, it still had its moments that held my attention. It was perhaps a different style or approach that didn't resonate with me as strongly as his fictional works.

Overall, though, I still have a great deal of respect for Potok's writing and look forward to exploring more of his works in the future.

This book truly blew me away.

There are certain parts within it that can be a bit dry and slow-paced, almost lulling you into a sense of complacency. However, these are juxtaposed with other sections that are utterly fascinating, interesting, inspiring, and even horrifying.

The book serves as an excellent introduction to the history of the USSR, spanning from the Bolshevik Revolution all the way to the collapse of the USSR.

But ultimately, it is the story of the Slepak's and their arduous attempts to obtain visas and emigrate to Israel that truly captures your mind and your soul.

You can't help but wonder if you would have the strength and courage to stand as firmly for something you believe in as they did.

In one sense, they are undeniably brave, but in another, they really didn't have much of a choice. They had to face the persecution of the state against them with unwavering bravery. It was either that or wither away and be forgotten.

This book forces you to confront the harsh realities of history and the indomitable spirit of those who fought for what they believed in.

Another brilliant work by Chaim. It is truly a remarkable piece that I would almost hesitate to simply call it a story. For within its pages, there are elements of legendary strength, unfathomable stamina, and an intense and enduring focus that are intricately twined within the history of this family.

We, as readers, have no real parallel experience to fully understand the interminable, labyrinthine bureaucracy that is described. It is a bureaucracy fraught with seemingly random actions of a central government that is dedicated to keeping its dissidents within a secret country. This government is intent on protecting itself, not only from external threats but also from within its own borders.

This work reads like a novel, with a narrative that is almost too strange to believe. It takes the reader on a journey through a world that is both fascinating and disturbing, filled with characters and events that will leave a lasting impression. Chaim has once again proven himself to be a master storyteller, able to create a work that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Fascinating and informative read by one of my all-time favorite authors. Potok does not disappoint in this non-fiction book. It vividly tells the story of how this family journeyed from the small town of shtetl, through the era of socialism, and finally became refuseniks.

As a grandchild of grandparents who emigrated to the US in the late '20s, I felt an immediate connection. This book allowed me to gain a better understanding and a more detailed picture of my grandparent's life before they were fortunate enough to leave their homeland.

Moreover, having been a teenager who actively participated in marches and demonstrations for Soviet Jewry, I discovered a wealth of information that I previously did not know about the challenging life of the refuseniks.

Highly recommend this book - it reads like a captivating historical fiction and is truly enjoyable. It offers a unique perspective on a significant period of history and the experiences of a particular family.

I purchased this book for just $4 from a used book store situated near Georgetown University. The sole reason for my purchase was that I have a great admiration for Chaim Potok and, to my delight, it was autographed by the author himself. At that time, I had no inkling about the contents within. However, after a span of 15 years, I finally managed to get around to reading this truly astonishing story. It chronicles the lives of 20th-century Jews in Russia, told through the experiences of one family.

I had always thought that Siberia and collective farms were relics of the past. But as it turns out, while I was a young mother, engrossed in the task of raising my children, Russian Jews were being ostracized from society. They were not only denied permission to emigrate to Israel but also deprived of jobs and equal citizenship. This led to the emergence of the Refusenik movement, which, for those who were paying attention - unfortunately not me at that time - played out on the global stage.

Volodya, for his outspoken nature, was exiled to Siberia for a period of five years. When I read "Gulag Archipelago," I had the perception that forced labor camps were a thing of the past in Russia. Therefore, I was truly astonished to learn that this was happening simultaneously as American college students were advocating communism and envisioning a "revolution." In the end, Russia squandered and lost a significant number of talented individuals.

So-so...

Kind of dry, and I had to force myself to plow through some of the history.

This description seems to suggest that the experience of going through a particular historical account or study was rather lackluster.

The use of "so-so" implies that it was neither outstanding nor terrible, just mediocre.

The word "dry" further emphasizes the dullness of the content, perhaps lacking in excitement or engaging details.

Forcing oneself to plow through the history indicates that it was a bit of a chore, requiring effort and determination to get through.

It could be that the presentation of the historical material was not very captivating, or perhaps the subject matter itself did not hold much personal interest for the person.

Overall, this assessment gives the impression that the historical exploration was not a particularly enjoyable or fulfilling one.

However, it's important to note that everyone has different preferences and perspectives when it comes to history, and what may seem dry to one person could be fascinating to another.

Perhaps with a different approach or a more in-depth understanding of the context, the same historical content could be more engaging and meaningful.

This book is a little bit different than Potok's other works.

However, it is still a very good read.

The story is about a Russian family, and it delves into their lives, relationships, and the challenges they face.

Potok has a unique way of bringing the characters to life and making the reader feel as if they are a part of the family.

The book explores themes such as love, loyalty, sacrifice, and the importance of family.

It also provides a glimpse into Russian culture and history, which adds depth and richness to the story.

Overall, this is a great book that is sure to appeal to fans of Potok's work as well as those who enjoy stories about family and human relationships.

An Incredible Account of the Experiences a Jewish Family Faced Under the Repression of the Soviet Government

In the history of the Soviet Union, a Jewish family endured a series of harrowing experiences under the yoke of government repression.

They faced discrimination in various aspects of life. Education opportunities were limited for them, as they were often overlooked or denied access to certain institutions.

In the workplace, they were subjected to unfair treatment and were passed over for promotions.

The family also had to deal with constant surveillance and suspicion from the authorities. Their every move was monitored, and they lived in a state of constant fear and anxiety.

Despite these hardships, the Jewish family remained resilient. They held onto their cultural traditions and values, passing them down from generation to generation.

They also found strength in their community, supporting each other through the difficult times.

Today, their story serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up against discrimination and fighting for justice and equality.

I think this is about one of the best history/bio books I've read.

Perhaps it's because Potok is a fiction writer and a Jew himself, who actually has personal experience of those awful Soviet years.

Since it's recent history, I couldn't help but compare my situation as a non-Jew living in Canada with that of these dissidents in the USSR during the '60s, '70s, and '80s.

I'm a huge fan of Chaim Potok, having reread his books multiple times, and that helped as well.

The way Potok vividly describes the events and the characters' emotions makes the story come alive.

It gives me a deeper understanding of the struggles and sacrifices that those dissidents had to endure.

Reading this book has made me more grateful for the freedoms and opportunities that I have in my own life.

It also makes me realize the importance of standing up for what is right, no matter the consequences.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history, biography, or simply a good story.