Comrade Koba: A Novel: A Novel

In the novel "The House on the Embankment," Leon Rozental, a ten-and-a-half-year-old boy, is left alone after his father's death and his mother's arrest during the Stalinist purge. He hides from the NKVD in the secret rooms of the House on the Embankment, where he meets Koba, a high-ranking Soviet official with insight into Stalin's thoughts. Littell's portrayal of Stalin shows his human side and disregard for the suffering he inflicted on the Russian people.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2022
Publisher: Abrams

In the gripping novel by Robert Littell, Leon Rozental, a ten-and-a-half-year-old boy with a remarkable intellect and a disarming honesty, finds himself alone after the untimely passing of his nuclear physicist father and the unjust arrest of his mother during the Stalinist purge of Jewish doctors. Fleeing from the NKVD and seeking refuge in the secret rooms of the House on the Embankment, a sprawling Moscow building that serves as the residence and workplace for numerous Soviet officials and apparatchiks, Leon embarks on a journey of self-discovery. One fateful day, while navigating through a passageway, Leon encounters Koba, an elderly man whose apartment is guarded by a vigilant team of security personnel. Koba holds a high position in the Soviet hierarchy and possesses a troubling understanding of the inner workings of Comrade Stalin.

Through this intricate and layered narrative, New York Times bestselling author Robert Littell showcases his profound knowledge of the complex era in Russian history and his exceptional skill in captivating storytelling. He presents a nuanced portrayal of the Soviet dictator, revealing both Stalins human side and his simultaneous disregard for and ignorance of the immense suffering he inflicted upon the Russian people. The charm and spontaneity of young Leon make him an irresistible narrator, reminiscent of Holden Caulfield, whom he openly acknowledges as an influence. As the story unfolds, Leon becomes entangled in the intricate web woven by this enigmatic old man, finding himself at the center of a captivating and suspenseful narrative.

Dimension: 210 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781419748332