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  • Shallow Graves in Siberia

  • By: Michael Krupa
  • Narrated by: Branko Tomovic
  • Length: 6 hrs and 41 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (74 ratings)

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Shallow Graves in Siberia

By: Michael Krupa
Narrated by: Branko Tomovic
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Summary

This is Michael Krupa’s story of how in 1939 he escaped the German invasion of Poland only to be captured by the Red Army, accused of espionage, and interrogated in the notorious Lubianka prison. He was then sent to the infamous Pechora Gulag, where most inmates died of overwork and starvation within a year. Amazingly, Kupra then escaped and made the gruelling journey from Siberia to Afghanistan.

This is a remarkable true story of survival and also gives a chilling insight into the brutality of Stalinist Russia. It reads like a thriller and is in the mould of Defiance, and Touching the Void in tales of human survival and endeavour against the odds.

©2004 Michael Krupa (P)2011 Audible Ltd
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What listeners say about Shallow Graves in Siberia

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story, awful narrator

This is one of my favourite books of all time. It’s a shame that the narrator obviously did his best but English isn’t his mother tongue and therefore adequate to do it justice. Shame really.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great Story

Wonderfully written and once started was hard to put down.
One felt that the journey from beginning to the end was a shared experience.
A must read book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

An incredible journey

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. To educate them.

Any additional comments?

An interesting story which unfortunately stopped to soon for me. I hope there is a second volume detailing his journey from Freedom in Afganistan through the middle east and finally joining the Polish Army in Britain.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Astounding true story - pity about the narration

We often hear about amazing stories of human survival and triumph through adversity and this is one that charts a line from the utter depths of degradation to freedom, sometimes through cunning and intelligence, at other times through the kindness of strangers, somtimes through the stupidity of others, and at others through sheer luck. It is a story that needs to be heard as well. The story of a nation suppressed and brutalsied by Uncle Joe Stalin.

But where it disappoints, a little, is in the telling. It is a true life story so it would be unreasonable to expect the pacing and thrills of a novel but it does feel a little one-paced. But the real problem is the narrator - Branko Tomovic - he has an an engaging voice but, clearly English is not his first language, and very often - too often in fact - mis-pronunciations or incorrectly accented syllables make it a little difficult to understand. It's a harsh criticism I know, but I did find it distracting and often found myself having to replay or pause the book to try and check what had actually been said.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Gulag story

A gripping adventure, beautifully narrated! An incredible journey through war-time Russia , the story of capture, life in the labour camps and escape from the horrors of gulag. Highly recommended!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Incredible Memoir

Michael Krupa's memoir about his imprisonment and eventual escape is an incredible testament to very worst and best forms of humanity. It is brought to life by Branko Tomovic's stupendous narration.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

listened to this story a number of times.....

A humbling ...moving.... inspiring story that gets better with every turn of the page..... shocking cruelty.... amazing humanity

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Gripping story of resilience

really enjoyed hearing this account. well read and the authors accent helps the listening environment. can only admire Michael's character and resilience in persisting to achieve freedom. Insight into life in Stalin's dictatorship and the terrible society he created. horrific in parts.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

An incredible story well told

This is an incredible story and was well told. This is truly inspiring and well worth a listen.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

the most amazing audiobook I have ever heard

what a story. amazing and enthralling. binge listened in 3 days and nights. takes you on his amazing journey and what a hero! if you buy one book, make it this. narration was authentic and gripping too. loved it!

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