Maurice J. Casey, author of 'Hotel Lux: An Intimate History of Communism's Forgotten Radicals,' dives into the rich tapestry of 20th-century revolutionaries who found refuge in Moscow's Hotel Lux. He recounts the intertwined stories of three families bound by love and idealism. The podcast reveals the emotional lives of these individuals against the backdrop of radicalism, the unsung heroes of revolution who supported change, and lessons of solidarity from historical struggles that resonate in today's quest for justice.
The Hotel Lux served as a vibrant hub for revolutionaries in the 1920s, fostering community and radical exchanges among diverse ideologies.
Personal relationships intertwined with revolutionary activities highlighted the human aspect of political engagement, complicating the pursuit of radical ideals.
Deep dives
The Hotel Lux: A Sanctuary for Revolutionaries
The Hotel Lux served as a unique hub for international revolutionaries during the tumultuous 1920s in Moscow. Originally a commercial hotel, it was repurposed by the Bolsheviks to accommodate foreign insurrectionaries and became a dormitory for the elite of the Communist International. Individuals like Ho Chi Minh and Tito temporarily resided there, illustrating the diverse backgrounds and revolutionary commitments of its guests. The lively atmosphere included elaborate parties where ideas and aspirations were shared, showcasing a remarkable community of radicals navigating the challenges of their time.
Personal Stories Behind Revolutionary Ideals
The intertwined personal lives of the revolutionaries at Hotel Lux highlight the complexity of their political engagement. Figures like Mayo Callahan and Elise Sabarovsky navigated relationships that were often fraught with tension between their radical politics and personal desires. Callahan's friendship with Nellie Cohen led them to challenge societal norms by co-parenting a child, showcasing the revolutionary ideals that influenced their personal lives. These stories reveal that personal connections were as crucial to their revolutionary work as ideology, making the movement a deeply human endeavor.
The Impact of Stalin’s Purges on Revolutionary Solidarity
Stalin's purges in the late 1930s significantly altered the environment of the Hotel Lux, transitioning it from a space of hope to one steeped in fear. The influx of German revolutionaries fleeing the rise of Nazism intensified the atmosphere of paranoia, leading to arrests and a pervasive sense of distrust among residents. Personal relationships became strained as comrades were forced to confront the terrifying reality of their vulnerability within a regime that targeted foreigners. This contrast between the vibrant dynamics of the 1920s and the oppressive atmosphere of the 1930s illustrates the broader disillusionment faced by many revolutionary ideals as they collided with the harsh realities of Soviet politics.
History is often told through the epic struggles of famous personalities or grand movements. Yet sometimes the voices of ordinary people break through. In this episode, Maurice J Casey speaks to Danny Bird about his new book, Hotel Lux, which follows three connected families through the upheavals of the 20th century. Bound by idealism, friendship and love, their journey begins in 1920s Moscow, inside a hotel that was once a sanctuary for international revolutionaries drawn to the Soviet Union’s bold vision for a better world.
(Ad) Maurice J Casey is the author of Hotel Lux: An Intimate History of Communism's Forgotten Radicals (Footnote Press, 2024). Buy it now from Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hotel-Lux-Intimate-Communisms-Forgotten/dp/180444099X/?tag=bbchistory045-21&ascsubtag=historyextra-social-histboty.
The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine.