NPR's Book of the Day 'Bronshtein in the Bronx' is a fictional account of Leon Trotsky's New York exile
Feb 12, 2025
Robert Littell, a renowned author of espionage thrillers, discusses his novel 'Bronshtein in the Bronx', which reimagines Leon Trotsky's brief exile in New York in 1917. He shares personal family ties to Trotsky and reflects on the revolutionary's struggles to inspire American workers. Littell also explores the moral complexities of revolution, using Trotsky's legacy to examine the balance between idealism and ruthless leadership. Dive into the paradoxes of revolutionary fervor and the violent realities it entails.
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Littell Family History
- Robert Littell's father, originally Leon Litsky, changed his name in 1919.
- He cited ridicule due to its similarity to Leon Trotsky's name.
Trotsky's Disappointment
- Trotsky aimed to ignite a socialist revolution during his 10-week New York exile in 1917.
- American workers prioritized better working conditions over revolution, disappointing Trotsky.
Trotsky's Early Activism
- Trotsky was already a well-known revolutionary upon arriving in New York.
- At 26, he led the 1905 Russian revolution and escaped Siberian imprisonment.
