Engineers of the Soul: The Grandiose Propaganda of Stalin's Russia

Translated into English for the first time, this is an account of one journalist's struggles to find the truth versus the fiction in various writings produced by some of the Russian Revolution's most prolific scribes. After scouring important works, specifically Paustovsky's Kara Bogaz, it becomes increasingly clear to Westerman (Ararat: In Search of the Mythical Mountain) that many of the prominent literary supporters of the Russian Revolution were bought into endorsement as opposed to truly supporting the cause. As he travels between historical venues, Westerman becomes entangled with historians and family members who open their hearts to the budding journalist. Close reading and heavy research lead him straight into the fervor and lies that surround Stalin and his "faithful" writers. Westerman writes a detailed and enthralling account of his journey through Soviet literature including discovering the revolution's best kept secrets while trying to appreciate the talented writers who created a web of deceit in the name of success. (Jun.)