Alexander DoLGuN's Story ~ with Patrick Watson. 1st UK 1975 HbDj UNread in MELB

Description: Measures approx. 9¾ x 6¾ inches or 25 x 17cmsSYNOPSIS ....Alexander Dolgun, from embassy employee, to prisoner, then falsely convicted of being a terrorist against Russia and sentenced to hard labor. Released after eight long years he is finally able to recount the experience of being transported to and between prisons, interactions and friendships with other prisoners, the day to day drudgery of trying to stay alive under horrendous conditions which involved trying to meet ridiculously high work quotas for extremely strenuous jobs while in a constant state of starvation and often, sickness.American's long ordeal at the hands of the Soviet Secret Police, and the years he spent in in forced-labour camps. The author was born in New York and was the son of American engineers who took jobs in Russia during the depression, was arrested in 1948 on a Moscow street and held for the next 24 years. This is the story of how he survived imprisonment and torture. The author was released from prison camp in 1956 and the general amnesty for political prisoners and was kept under severe KGB surveillance in Moscow to 15 more years. He was at last, in 1971 allowed to leave Russia. This is his story.About the AuthorAlexander Dolgun waVery Interesting read!ReviewsExtraordinary .. . One of the great harrowing memoirs to come from the charnel-house of a totalitarian regime. Heartbreaking and enraging, with a plot worthy of an epic movie. Those who like this book might also like the less-famous "A Boy in the Gulag" by Jerzy Kmiecik. Five stars … I read this book long ago yet just ran into it again and thought to list it here. The story is told with a rich, expansive clarity. It shows people at the extremes of what they can endure and the various ways they succumb to their environment or devise strategies to survive. The way he uses his multiple languages and innovative negotiating skills to get by is instructive and at times funny (especially when he is trying to manipulate his guards into just inventing interrogation reports etc. Ah yes. Then there's the time he bursts into the song ROLL OUT THE BARREL after a particularly severe round of torture). The author also has a great ability to describe what happens when people go "psychologically deaf" amidst this perfectly described nightmare. He describes his monstrous guard Sidorov with almost loving detail. What a fantastic read…… A truly troubling look at the horror of what was Stalinist Russia. The only thing that makes Mr. Dolgun's story unique, is that he is an American when he is kidnapped and falsely accused of spying. (One question that is never really answered is why the US Embassy and Government did not do more to save/rescue Mr. Dolgun.) What follows are almost unbelievable horrors of torture and eventually exile to the prison camps. If you have read The Black Book of Communism or Anne Applebaum's Gulag, you will be familiar with the horrors of Stalin's prison camps, but hearing it described firsthand really brings home the evil of Stalinism Sobering read……… If you're American and if you ever wanted to know or truly understand just what it's like to be tossed into the Soviet gulag, this is it. Alexander Dolgun, an American citizen who was deliberately thrown into this system, brings clarity to the idea of so-called 'work camps' that still exist today (think of where the Pussy Riot members were recently sent). I read this as part of a grad thesis I wrote regarding how political prisoners in the then-USSR coped with their arrest, sentencing, transport, internment, release, and eventual rehabilitation into society. Maybe it's the kind of words he uses that are unique in tone to American understanding, I'm not sure, but when I read the book, the light bulb went on over my head. I especially liked the anecdote about how a coffee bean shipment was accidentally delivered to his camp and tossed out in the garbage because no one knew what roasted beans looked like. He and a couple of Baltic prisoners scavenged the beans and gleefully enjoyed that taste of heaven called fresh coffee. Other anecdotes are more disheartening, like the Catch-22 he found himself in where finding a place to live after he was released was concerned. Even sadder, how he finally reunited with his elderly mother, only to discover the Soviet secret police had tortured her (they had pulled out all her finger nails) to keep her from continually searching for her son. A sobering read that forces sobering thoughts on how in Russia these days, such things seem to be happening yet again. Fascinating and educational. …… I found this book fascinating and educational. Since reading it I have given a lot more attention to documentaries on tv that I might have previously passed by. It's a clearly written account of his experiences and I was amazed by how much he could recall. I think many, myself included, might have "blanked out" a lot just for self-preservation. It's not a depressing book and some might hesitate to read it thinking it will be too dark or maybe a "dry" historical read. I found his resilience and creativity to be admirable, inspiring and encouraging. I highly recommend this book. It also gave me a perspective I had not considered before and that is what dealings take place (or not) on behalf of prisoners of war. I'm not a big history buff but I truly appreciate the insight into this part of history and the impressive story of an impressive individual. Engrossing …. . I recall reading this book enroute to Ramstein AFB., Germany. I was totally engrossed in the story; enough so that I had finished the book by the time we landed. Keep in mind - that it was a long flight. At any rate, some details of this book I've never forgotten; especially those details pertaining to survival. I intend to read it again one of these days just to reference my point of view now as compared to then. For now, it still rates a (5) with me. The only reason I edited this review was so I could update/replace the cover I originally had on my favorites shelf. Now that I see it again I'm going to checkout my book haunts and the library just so I can re-read it. Hard to believe it’s real!!! ….. It was difficult at times to keep in mind that this fine book was non-fiction. I suppose this sort of thing could happen today. Although, the KGB might just kill the person who was thought to be spying for the west rather than taking the time and energy to brutally interrogate and imprison the suspect. Like the personal stories of holocaust survivors this book describes the extent of suffering and pain a person will withstand or adjust to in an effort to stay alive. The book is well written and I'm glad I read it. IMPORTANT read … Everyone should read this book. If you are ever having a bad day, read this book and your life won't seem so unfair. Russian government had such an interesting way of thinking, to say the least. It makes you very grateful to live in this wonderful country. I have read four or five books on the gulag and this is one of my favorites. Alexander's will to live was inspiring. Awesome … An amazing story of courage and survival in or itself. Also leads one to consider why for political reasons that the histories of gulags has received so little attention in U.S. history classes. Survival …. The first book I ever read about the Soviet gulag system. It's a great introduction to the subject, since it's well-written, informative, and not too long. I am amazed by this man’s will to survive. Read it amny many times … amazing, amazing, amazing read this over 20 years ago and it really changed my view of the world. One of the best books I have ever read. would highly recommend. Important read …. This is an important book. And it’s one of the top three survival stories of the 20th century, along with Louis Zamperini in “Unbroken” and Alistair Urquhart in “The Forgotten Highlander.” Such a GREAT book ….. I absolutely loved this book. I love Russian history yet this book made me so angry at Russia! The way that the USSR treated Alexander just angered me! But Alexander's tale is written wonderfully. I understand that it is difficult to relive the horrors that he faced in the many prisons and camp, so it must have taken Mr. Dolgun lots of courage to write down what happened to him. This book is a good read if you are looking to learn more about Stalin's GULAGs and life in the many prisons. Such a great book. Truly incredible story ….. of American in 1950s caught by KGB and served 20 years hard labor. I read this book whenever I feel my life is tough. So many inspiring and beautiful stories of how humans under unbearable conditions help their fellow man. Very sad as well as immensely inspiringMarvellous Reading! WHY do ebayers buy from US?Because you KNOW what you're getting. My close up photos are of the actual item & form part of my description!! POSTAGE IS $12.90 WITHIN AUSTRALIAWe pack your books with care - using secure, lightweight, waterproof packaging to ensure that they are well protected in transit.*All items will be shipped within 3 business days of receipt of payment. Payment can be made by Direct Deposit Bank Transfer or Paypal. Check out my other items- *Buyer to make contact within 3 days of auction end and payment within 5 days. *Cash on pick up is fine. *Bank deposit & PAYPAL available. *Any questions? Just ask! Please look for my other items in our new Ebay Store 'Jingle Bells Books' ~ as there are lots & lots of old, RARE and COLLECTABLE BOOKS to be cleared from our bookshelves. 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