Trotsky was a great many things, intriguing in how he lived, what he believed and his steps towards revolution. I first started growing interested in him when fulfilling my Frida obsession and how he came into play in her life. This has no mention of Frida as that came much later but puts a spotlight on his few months in the Bronx with his family in his late 20s upon being kicked out of Europe.

I wouldn’t say there’s anything particularly extravagant about this book and the curiosity stems from getting a splice of life of someone like Trotsky. The people he meets. His thoughts. His relationships with friends, family, enemies.

He certainly excited many people and caused a stir wherever he was sent or voluntarily escaped to!

Many thanks to RBmedia and to NetGalley for the advance copy of this audio book.

I liked this one a lot! Littel's writing is tidy, with plenty of forward momentum; notable in a story made up almost entirely of political dialogue.
I went into this familiar only with the broad strokes of the Russian revolution, and now I'm excited to learn more- what higher praise can I give?

The reader's voice was distinct enough to lend a specific, personal feel to the narrating Trotsky, but direct and plain enough that this didn't distract from the story.

I look forward to recommending this text to library customers looking for something edifying, but easily digestible.

*Many thanks to Robert Littell, RBMedia, and NetGalley for a free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.*
A relatively short take on Leo Trotsky, who having escaped the place of detention in Siberia, spent time living in Europe, and then moved on to the US with his long-time companion and two sons. He spent some time living in New York just before the Bolsheviks took over the power, and the new situation drew him to Russia again. The book is short but gives a good insight into Bronshtein's life and his political opinions. The Author's tone is not sombre, and his idea of the voice in Trotsky's head is a good trick. Definitely worth reading if you know a little about Trotsky, and his later fate.

I honestly don't even know how to review this book because I do not feel I will do it justice. This story took took so many different turns for such a short period of time, yet ultimately I would say this book was entertaining. I quickly found out that I am probably not the target audience for this historical fiction, however, Littell's writing was so compelling that I continued through! I can say that I knew absolutely nothing about Bronshtein/Trotsky or even the Bolshevik revolution - the U.S. education system has truly failed me.

I decided to give this four stars because it is not Littell's fault that I am undereducated in this area. His writing was easy to understand, humorous at times, and very amusing. I am interested in reading Littell's other works and doing some outside research myself into this time in history.

Thank you so much to Netgalley & RBmedia for this ARC.