Radek

Stefan Heym's novel "The Comintern" provides a dramatic portrayal of Karl Radek, a Bolshevik journalist and politician who was a central figure in the communist world. Radek's talent as a writer and political acumen carried him through event after event, but his controversial and ambiguous personality led to him being exiled to Siberia, capitulating, and resuming his editorial duties at Isvestia. Heym's novel reveals Radek as a man haunted by the fear that the insurgency will cease to move forward, living his life as a frenzied chase in pursuit of the continuation of the revolution until the very end.

Format: Hardback
Length: 576 pages
Publication date: 02 April 2022
Publisher: Monthly Review Press,U.S.

Stefan Heym's groundbreaking work, The First-Ever English Translation, offers a profound insight into the inner voice of a remarkable Bolshevik journalist and politician. Through this captivating historical narrative, readers are granted an intimate encounter with the life and legacy of Karl Radek, widely recognized as the editor of the esteemed newspaper, Isvestia, throughout the Soviet era.

Beginning as Lenin's companion at the dawning of the October Revolution, Radek's journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the cause. He evolved from a close associate of the revolutionary leader to become Stalin's favored intellectual, a position that ultimately led to his entanglement in the tumultuous purges of the late 1930s. In this, his final historical novel, Heym unveils Radek as a brilliant Bolshevik journalist and politician who navigated the ever-shifting tides of fate with unwavering determination.

A central figure in the communist world, Radek's enigmatic personality and controversial actions made him a perpetual source of fascination. His distinct appearance, characterized by thick glasses and a non-Aryan appearance, often overshadowed his remarkable talent as a writer, political acumen, and insatiable curiosity. Radek's ability to engage in credible conversations with figures such as Lenin, Luxemburg, Liebknecht, Trotsky, and Stalin, all seen through his perspective, provides a unique lens into his world.

As Heym meticulously crafts conversations with these influential figures, readers are granted a deeper understanding of Radek as a man haunted by the fear that the revolutionary movement would stagnate. He lived his life as a relentless pursuit of the continuation of the revolution, driven by an unwavering commitment to the cause until his very end.

Originally published in Munich in 1995, The First-Ever English Translation has stood the test of time and continues to captivate readers with its profound exploration of a remarkable life and career. Stefan Heym's masterful storytelling and meticulous research have brought Radek's story to life, offering a valuable contribution to the understanding of Soviet history and the complexities of political discourse.

Dimension: 210 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781583679562