Review of Backstage

[Maria Daniela Martinez]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Backstage" by Leonid Sakharov.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

"Backstage" by Leonid Sakharov became the sign I was entering a story that carried more messaging than just a typical romance from page one. The title, along with its tagline "Passionate Love, which throws away social barriers but submits to the hand of destiny," provided hints about dramatic depth, which the book fully fulfilled.

At the beginning of the tale, we find ourselves witnesses to the political chaos in Russia during 1918. The summary presents the central dispute showing how Lenin conducted his merciless campaign against the old aristocracy through the operation "Kaiser's Memorandum," which sought to kill Tsar Nikolai Romanov and his entire family. During this violent political incident, young operative Yakov Blumkin develops a hopeless romantic relationship with aristocrat Princess Natalia Paley, who belongs to the social group Russia aims to destroy.

The author establishes a masterful foundation from the very first element of his work. From the first chapter titled "Meeting of First Sights," readers experience the Petrograd atmosphere directly. As I paced next to Yakov Blumkin on Kronverksky Prospect, I could perceive the deep ingrained danger-cautiousness that revolution had instilled in his mind. The author uses vivid prose to describe Petrograd's wartime atmosphere as a city experiencing the aftermath of revolution while the character Blumkin observes all around him despite his relaxed appearance walking on the promenade.

The meeting between Blumkin and Princess Natalia creates an intense spark that seems like "a lightning strike from a cloudless sky." Blumkin stepped into Natalie's gaze which penetrated his shield and saw a man of clear decisiveness who could shape her fate. Through its writing, the book achieves remarkable success in depicting this powerful instantaneous bond between Natalia and Blumkin despite their world differences. At eighteen when Blumkin took command of counterintelligence his internal thoughts declared "I must suffer indefinitely because of her." The passionate connection between these characters emerges as the book's central theme because it contrasts with the elite world of political espionage.

Sakharov incorporates extensive historical facts about real figures into his narrative by naturally integrating Lenin, Dzerzhinsky, and Gorky. The "Operation Kaiser Memorandum" chapter stands out with its thorough explanation of Lenin's reasons for the plan and Dzerzhinsky's systematic execution of the violent operation. I found it informative how the author presented Lenin as a political figure combined with the human traits of someone who experienced moral dilemmas about his decisions even though he applied distorted reasoning to justify his deeds.

Although the novel features some small shortcomings, it successfully delivers powerful discourse. The positives far outweigh any negatives. The author presents a profoundly emotional portrayal of love during political instability through characters who maintain depth as Blumkin and Natalia. The novel features a historical investigation that transforms into realistic and comprehensive storytelling. The author Sakharov uses historical events to actively shape both the characters' choices and destinies within his story. Every page of this book displays perfect editing because the writer and his team devoted exceptional care to producing it without any mistakes.

Due to strong characters along with extensive historical accuracy and the novel's exploration of romantic love through revolutionary change, I award Backstage all 5 out of 5 stars.

The Russian Revolution historical fiction story is recommended to readers who enjoy this genre and prefer books set in the Revolutionary period. The audience that appreciates complex characters affected by passion and political commitment and is interested in personal life stories during revolutionary times will love reading Backstage. After finishing the book, readers experience its effects through deep reflection upon love and duty while meditating on destiny's unyielding power.

******
Backstage
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Kutloano Makhuvhela]

OK, a book set on Russian Revolution? I think I will give it a read. I love Russian Revolution—well, not love per se but interested in it. Thank you for sharing.

[Benita Ogarekpe]

I must’ve read books on the American and British revolution and politics at least a hundred times. Never one on Russian revolution and what that was like. I am beyond intruiged.