The Last Days of Stalin

By Joshua Rubenstein

The Last Days of Stalin by Joshua Rubenstein is an amazingly detailed and in-depth look of Stalin’s last days on earth were and the also the days after. Rubenstein just does not take the daily agenda of Stalin and add fluff. He takes you deep behind the Iron Curtain to give you an account of every individual around him and even his politics at the time.

In my honest opinion, as an individual that had American schooling, we learn a lot about World War II and a little bit about life post-WWII. We learn of the evil of Hitler and the fierceness of the Empire of Japan as well. However, we never had a chance to learn of the atrocities that were happening under Stalin’s reign of Russia. This book should be given to every individual either in middle school or high school. Especially when they are learning of how the countries of the world were supposed to heal after the war, not to continue in atrocities against the Jewish people or even those that may have an opinion on their country’s politics.

Arthur Morey is the narrator of the audiobook and he does a phenomenal job of maintaining a very strong voice that contains authority, knowledge and calmness. Very well done!

In conclusion, if you have any curiosity about Russian history in the 20^th century or are curious about Russia post WWII, get this book. My mind was blown away by the great detail that Rubenstein was able to pack in this book. I recommend also that if you’re a parent and have a teen taking world history, they need to read this book and so do you! Highly recommend!

Story: 5/5

Narration: 5/5

Overall: 5/5

Pros: Very well balanced writing that has a very clear and concise road map. Extremely knowledgeable as well.

Cons: Some slow parts here and there, but are quickly erased by either the next sentence or paragraph.