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Russka

By: Edward Rutherfurd
Narrated by: Roger Davis
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Summary

In this vast and gorgeous tapestry of a novel, serf and master, Cossack and tsar, priest and Jew are brought together in a family saga which unrolls through centuries of history to reveal that most impenetrable and mysterious of lands - Russia.

Through the life of a little town east of Moscow in the Russian heartland, Edward Rutherfurd creates a sweeping family saga from the baffling contradictions of Russia's culture and her peoples - bleak yet exotic, brutal but romantic, land of ritual yet riddled with superstitious fears.

From Russia's dawn and the cruel Tatar invasions to Ivan the Terrible and the wild Cossacks, from Peter, Catherine and the days of War and Peace to the drama of the Revolution and the extraordinary events of today - here is Russia's story in a spellbinding novel - history recreated with breathtaking detail and passion.

©1991 Edward Rutherford (P)2019 Audible, Ltd
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What listeners say about Russka

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Epic

Not sure if I bit off more than I could comfortably chew... Better critics than I can give more worthy evaluation, I will probably play it again over the winter and see if I find more continuity of storylines and feel more relationship with characters. Undoubtedly, well presented!

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Fantastic

A wide and expansive story from the dawn of Russia to the end of the Soviet Union. It portrays a nation in so much colour. it's well read and I would highly recommend it.

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  • Overall
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Educational, engaging and yet poetic

A lovely long book. Beautifully written and read. I would recommend this for those who like a long listen and who are interested in Russian history.

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Epic tale

A tentative selection proved to be a marvel. Great story beautifully woven together keeping me captivated and comped for more

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Russia part of Russia or Ukraine?

Written 30 years ago as Russia came closer to the West. Russka is fictional and possibly near the Russia Ukraine border with an intertwining story of both through many years of history. In Rutherford’s way of following families through the years. An immense achievement.

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another brilliant epic

my second book of his and equally tremendous and informative and gripping! I have learnt so much about the history of these lands which has helped me understand the relationship between Russia and Ukraine - especially as we have taken in two sisters from Ukraine because of yet another war.
thank you.

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Brilliant!

Had previously read the book and this really brings it to life.

Well narrated by Roger Davis.

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Catching story with historical references

Pleasantly engaging storyline not too heavy for encapsulsting almost a thousand years in an evolving Russia. Well read and kept a good tempo to the end.

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Rambling epic

This is a good and engaging listen. Roger Davies is an accomplished narrator, bringing a light touch to the characterisation. The story itself is episodic, pinned to a historiography which is sufficient to add context but not burdensome in detail. As it rambles along through the centuries it provides enough entertainment to keep one engaged, but occasionally slips into cliche and predictability. As with other texts I have experienced by Rutherfurd, the final sections seem rushed and superficial

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4 people found this helpful

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Edward Rutherfurd

Absolutely brilliant story written by a total and utter master story teller. Talk about bringing history to life, you couldn’t help but be transformed into a different time through each absorbing chapter. Roger Davis becomes your friend as you unwind and listen to his dulcet tones tell you the most magnificent story of a despotic regime that changes its name but rarely it’s character. Loved it!

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