From Cold War to Hot Peace by Michael McFaul

FROM COLD WAR TO HOT PEACE by Michael McFaul is an absorbing look at the relationship between the US and Russia, especially over the last 30 years. It is written by a Stanford University professor of political science who served at the National Security Council and then as U.S. ambassador to the Russian Federation from 2012 to 2014.  McFaul says he had to “have the courage to write such a book – at the same time historical, analytical, and personal .... [with a] mix of voices.”  He does include much of his own story of public service while dividing this nonfiction work into three main sections: Revolution, Reset and Reaction.  The first contains chapters which discuss events during the early to mid-90s like Yeltsin’s reelection, economic reforms, and expansion of NATO.  The second part continues chronologically and covers topics such as going to work in the Obama administration, the new START treaty, concerns about Iran, and the Arab Spring. The third section is definitely interesting and eye-opening, with sample chapters titled “Putin Needs an Enemy – America, Obama and Me” and a later one on “Annexation and War in Ukraine.” McFaul, who was eventually considered a persona non grata by Russia, muses about the way in which individuals matter (citing the contributions of Gorbachev, Yeltsin, Reagan, Bush, and Clinton) as well as the choices made by Putin to perceived provocation from demonstrators in Russia (2011-12) and the Ukraine (2013-14). McFaul concludes with a twenty page epilogue on Trump and Putin plus endnotes and acknowledgements – how exciting to have been a colleague, research assistant or student at Stanford in his PoliSci 213 who was asked to comment on the draft of this timely and engaging book. FROM COLD WAR TO HOT PEACE received a starred review from Booklist.

I was Anastasia by Ariel Lawhon

I have been eagerly awaiting publication of I WAS ANASTASIA by Ariel Lawhon since I really enjoyed her earlier works (Flight of Dreams and The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress). Her newest work of historical fiction centers on Anna Anderson and her efforts to be recognized as Grand Duchess Anastasia, the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. The story expertly moves between time periods and locations including 1917 Russia, 1920 Berlin, 1946 France, 1950s Germany, 1956 Hollywood, 1968 France and 1970 Charlottesville, Virginia with Anastasia’s story moving forward in time while Anna’s is told in reverse order, beginning with her last court case. That may add confusion for some younger readers, but to me, this choice merely reinforced the complex and sympathetic nature of the characters.

Once again, Lawhon has captured our attention by inviting her readers to join her in applying our imaginations to a fairly well-known historical events.  I wonder who she will be researching next?