Lenin: Revolutie - 2/3

This biography by Victor Sebestyen delves into the life of Vladimir Lenin, from his early years and radicalization following the execution of his brother, to his long exile in Europe and his return to Petrograd in 1917 to lead the first Communist revolution. The book highlights Lenin's complex personality, his relationships with his wife Nadezhda Krupskaya and mistress Inessa Armand, and his role in shaping the Soviet state through political terror and centralized power. Sebestyen uses newly available archives to provide detailed insights into Lenin's life and the Russian Revolution, portraying him as a sophisticated intellectual, a ruthless leader, and the precursor to Stalin's regime.

The novel intertwines several narratives, including the story of Pontius Pilate and Jesus Christ, and the adventures of the devil Woland and his entourage in Moscow. The Master, a writer who has been driven to insanity by the rejection of his novel about Pontius Pilate, and his mistress Margarita, who remains loyal and determined to save him, are central characters. Margarita's journey involves becoming a witch and hosting Woland's midnight ball, where she uses her newfound powers for altruistic ends. The book is a critique of Soviet society, exposing corruption, moral decay, and the repression of artists and dissidents. It blends elements of satire, fantasy, and philosophical inquiry, reflecting Bulgakov's personal experiences with censorship and societal pressures.