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An exploration of a country, Russia, and its literature. Polonsky lived in Moscow in a house neighbouring one once lived in by Vyacheslav Molotov, Stalin's henchman. She discovered his library and an old magic lantern, and through this she provides a renewed vision of Russian history and literature. Polonsky uncovered the Amazon controversy perpetrated by the historian Orlando Figes.
Synopsis
When Rachel Polonsky went to live in Moscow, she found an apartment block in Romanov Street, once a residence of the Soviet elite. One of those ghostly neighbours was Stalin's henchman Vyacheslav Molotov. In his former apartment, Rachel Polonsky discovered his library and an old magic lantern.