Book Blurb:
After the 1917 revolution, Russia is teetering on the brink of civil war. When the Soviet head of state Lenin is shot by an assassin, CHEKA agent Anna Sokolova is tasked with hunting down British spy Sidney Reilly who set in motion an audacious plot to alter the course of Russian history. Meanwhile, in New York, an American WWI veteran William Arden sets sail on a mission to Russia that is not what it appears to be, and the true purpose of which even he may not yet fully comprehend. Their paths cross in Petrograd, and they become unlikely allies. As a bloody conflict ignites throughout Russia, Anna’s loyalties are tested. Can she save her country and not lose herself in the process?
Based on historical events, Commissar is a gripping spy thriller about the little-known period of US and British intervention in the Russian Civil War (1918-22).
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/DqZ7M
Author Bio:
D.V. Chernov is an award-winning author of historical and crime fiction. His debut novel Commissar was named Finalist for the prestigious Hemingway International Book Award. D.V. Chernov was born in Omsk, Russia and grew up in the Soviet Union during the final decades of the Cold War before immigrating to the U.S. in 1991. After building a career in the high-tech industry, he decided to follow his long-time dream of writing his first novel. When not writing, D.V. Chernov enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and daughter.
Editorial Review:
"Commissar: A Novel of Civil War Russia" by D.V. Chernov is a captivating novel that
explores the tumult and complexity of the Russian Civil War, presenting strong characters
and profound internal conflicts. The story is well-documented and provides a vivid picture of
the chaos and uncertainties that marked that historical period.
Set against the backdrop of violence and radical social changes following the Bolshevik
Revolution, the novel's narrator immerses us in the lives of its characters through their
journals and direct experiences, offering an intimate perspective on their personal and moral
struggles.
One of the quotes that illustrates the tension and charged atmosphere in the novel is from
the journal of Boris Savinkov: “The first shipment of dynamite arrived in Moscow last night.
Ninety pounds is not nearly enough, but it is a start. V. promised more next week. If he is
unable to deliver, we will have no other option but to manufacture the rest. I hope it does not
come to that – sourcing the materials is risky enough, never mind the process.For now, we
store it in the basement under G.’s office. I’ve forgotten the sweet smell nitroglycerin gives it.
And the headaches that come with it. Tomorrow, N.will have an update about the guns.” This
journal entry underscores the daily dangers and urgencies faced by the revolutionaries as
they fought for their cause.
D.V. Chernov manages to capture the essence of a tumultuous period in Russian history,
bringing to life the internal conflicts of his characters caught between loyalty, survival, and
ideals. The novel is not just a historical fresco but also a meditation on human nature and
the difficult choices people make in times of crisis. Set in the immediate aftermath of the
Russian Revolution of 1917, various factions vie for control over Russia's future. The
Bolsheviks, representatives of the emerging communist power, and the White forces,
supporters of the monarchy and other counter-revolutionary factions, clash in bloody battles
and political maneuvers. At the center are ordinary people striving for land ownership and
the right to choose their leaders, aspirations seemingly out of reach amidst the power
struggle.
Central characters like Boris Savinkov and Anna are meticulously drawn with psychological
complexity. Savinkov, a fighter for democracy and leader of the People's Union for the
Defense of Homeland and Freedom, employs terror as a means to combat tyranny, justifying
extreme violence in pursuit of freedom and democracy. The scene from his journal detailing
a terrorist attack on the Grand Duke of Moscow vividly illustrates the brutality of his methods
and his steadfast belief that only terror can eradicate tyranny. Anna, grappling with her own
moral and professional dilemmas, provides an insider's perspective into the Bolshevik
apparatus. The scene where she is summoned to Dzerzhinsky's office, the feared leader of
the Cheka, is notable for its depiction of tense atmosphere and internal intrigues within the
security apparatus. Dzerzhinsky, known as "Iron Felix," is portrayed as obsessively devoted
to his cause, exemplifying the dedication and rigors of revolutionary life. Another significant
character, Dora Kaplan, stoically accepts her fate in prison, reflecting on her life and crimes.
Through these multiple perspectives, Chernov succeeds in capturing the complexity and
nuances of the Russian Revolution, where loyalties and identities are constantly shifting.
The novel deeply explores the geopolitical context of post-revolutionary Russia, highlighting
the intricate involvement of both foreign and domestic forces in the civil war. From British
and Japanese Allied troops to various White armies and the Czechoslovak Legion, Chernov
underscores the chaos and complexity of the times. The author masterfully blends personal
narrative with major historical events, creating an authentic tableau of a divided and
tumultuous Russia.
The novel continues with a tense scene where a convoy speeds through Moscow towards
the Kremlin, illuminated by headlights and guarded by armed soldiers. The atmosphere is
grim, reflected in Sergei's distant gaze, a central character grappling with moral and
emotional dilemmas. He and his team, including Anna, head to an apartment where they find
Lockhart, the British consul, in a state of confusion and irritation, evidently under the
influence of alcohol. Sergei's interrogation reveals tensions between the Soviet government
and foreign agents, highlighting backstage complicity and betrayals during the revolution.
Lockhart, caught in the midst of an assassination plot, vehemently denies direct involvement,
but his reactions and hesitations betray him. In a fit of rage, Sergei loses his composure for
the first time in front of Anna, underscoring the pressure and frustration felt by those striving
to stabilize the new Soviet regime. The atmosphere of distrust and danger is heightened by
the characters' reflections on their own actions and motivations. Sergei and Anna discuss
the perpetual threat posed by Western support for counter-revolutionary forces, illustrating
the moral difficulties and dilemmas in defending the revolution. Their conversation is
interrupted by overwhelming feelings of loss and grief, as well as the necessity to continue
the fight.
An essential aspect of the novel is its realistic portrayal of characters and the circumstances
they face. William, a notable protagonist, is an American who arrives in Petrograd and
spends his first week as a driver for Robins. This experience is not just about driving but
represents a profound lesson about the government and infrastructure of Russia: „From the
very first day, William realized that the task of driving was not at all about driving. It was
actually Robins’ way of tutoring him on the ins and outs of this country’s government and
infrastructure.”This sentence highlights Robins' subtle method of instruction and William's
desire to gain a deeper understanding of the country's realities.
In parallel, the novel explores Anna's life and her tense relationship with her family. Anna, a
supporter of the revolution, justifies her choice to work for the Cheka to her parents in an
intense and emotional scene. “I don’t work for the Cheka, Father – I am the Cheka! Because
someone has to be. Someone has to protect the people and their future because your
generation did not care to.”This statement reflects Anna's determination and deep
convictions, as well as the generational and ideological conflict dividing her family.
The novel unabashedly explores the brutality of the civil war. A pivotal moment is the
encounter between Anna and Makhno in a stark room adorned with a black flag and a
strategic map. Makhno, charismatic and unpredictable, pours tea from a chipped samovar,
adding authenticity to the scene. Their tense discussion, where Anna exposes Reilly's plans
and Makhno evaluates the risks of an ambush, creates an atmosphere of uncertainty.
Makhno's decision to assist, but with specific conditions, underscores the complexity of
alliances during the civil war. One of the most memorable scenes is the attack on the train,
where Chernov vividly describes the confrontation between Makhno's troops and the forces
of the White Army. William, Anna's American partner, plays a crucial role in the plan to
neutralize the train's artillery. The fight, intense and brutal, captures the chaos and horror of
military attack, showcasing Chernov's mastery in depicting action scenes and military
planning.
As Germany collapses under revolts and armistice discussions, British government support
for intervention in Russia becomes increasingly uncertain. In England, fear of Bolshevism
grows, and Downing Street commits to defeating communism at its source in Russia.
However, ministerial incompetence and political maneuvering further complicate the
situation. Within this context, the work also explores an international perspective, highlighting
the diplomatic efforts of figures like Raymond Robins, who establishes communication
channels with Soviet leaders. This complex dynamic is amplified by accounts of the
challenges faced by secret agents and diplomats involved in this backstage struggle.
The novel concludes on a reflective note, illustrating the desperation and hopes of the
characters through a letter from Masha to Anna, adding a personal touch to a story marked
by historical tumult. This letter brings a note of humanity and vulnerability, showing that
beyond ideological and political conflicts, there are also personal stories of sacrifice and
search for hope.
"Commissar: A Novel of Civil War Russia" is not just a chronicle of a tumultuous period in
Russian history but also a profound meditation on human nature in times of crisis. D.V.
Chernov skillfully blends historical facts with fiction, offering a compelling narrative rich in
meaning that resonates with history enthusiasts and readers of political thrillers alike.
Through his complex characters and captivating intrigues, Chernov provides readers with a
detailed and empathetic look at individual tragedies and triumphs amidst an epic struggle,
with each scene laden with significance and tension, keeping the reader on edge until the
last page.
"Commissar: A Novel of Civil War Russia" offers a deep and nuanced perspective on a
critical period in Russian history, exploring the human and moral complexity of its characters.
It is essential reading for those interested in Russian history and the human dynamics in a
context of intense conflict, concluding with a note of tension and anticipation that suggests
the conflict is far from over. Through its complex characters and well-documented narrative,
Chernov captures the essence of a turbulent period, delivering not only a gripping story but
also a meditation on the price of freedom and the struggle for power
*****
“Commissar” by D.V. Chernov receives 4 stars from The Historical Fiction Company
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