Two Lives One Russia

Keep in mind, that I am a complete Russophile. I studied Russian for two years, spent months in Russia in the 90s. So this book touches me in ways that are personal. I read this book every few years, and I'm starting to think my original copy is wearing thin. This book is divided into two storylines that weave a united theme. The first part is an a account of the author's own detention and interrogation under the time of Gorbachev leadership. Nicholas Daniloff was the Soviet reporter for US News & World Report in the 1980's. He was one day grabbed of the street and what follows is an account with as much intrigue as a Robert Ludlum novel. It hits hard, those who lived during the Cold War of the 80's. The second story line is that of the author's investigating and eventually unraveling of the story of his Great-great-great grandfather who was a minor member in the Decembrist revolt in 1825. Daniloff's investigation of the history of his ancestor shows the warm nature of Russians and the power of History that survived through communist Russia. When Daniloff, tells the account of his Great-great-great grandfather, it brings up images of Tolstoy. All in all, this book brings an amazing account of the Russian people in two periods of oppression. The warm nature of Russians has always been from within, and this book shows that. Give this book a try, if you love great non-fiction stories, this one should be at the top of your list. Note: I contacted Nicholas Daniloff via email a few years ago, to tell him how much I loved this book. He actually replied and took to heart the fact that his and his ancestor's story meant so much to someone.