It Was a Long Time Ago, and it Never Happened Anyway: Russia and the Communist Past

by David Satter
It Was a Long Time Ago, and it Never Happened Anyway: Russia and the Communist Past cover
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  • ID: 11500
  • Added: 2026-03-09
  • Updated: 2026-03-09
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Literary Review · Donald Rayfield · 2026-03-11
bold 4.00

The book is described as more vehement than Satter's previous works, with a title that invites a strong reaction. The reviewer appreciates the book's boldness and its exploration of post-Soviet Russia.

Donald Rayfield notes that this book is more vehement than David Satter's previous studies of post-Soviet Russia. The title, which invites a loud shout of 'No!', sets the tone for the book's bold exploration of the subject. Rayfield appreciates the book's unflinching look at Russia's past and its implications for the present. He finds the book to be a compelling read, especially for those interested in understanding the complexities of post-Soviet Russia.

Quick quotes

    This book, its title deliberately inviting a loud shout of 'No!', is more vehement than his previous studies of post-Soviet Russia

    But just as Satter has always been a fearless writer, so the book is a fearless read

    The book is a chilling tale of a country that refuses to confront its past

Eric Lee · Eric Lee · 2020-01-09
insightful 4.50

The book is praised for its compelling title and insightful exploration of Russia's historical memory. The reviewer highlights the book's relevance in understanding contemporary Russia.

Eric Lee starts by commending the book's title, which he finds both intriguing and fitting. He delves into the book's exploration of Russia's historical memory, noting that it's a very good book. Lee emphasizes the book's timeliness, especially in light of current events in Russia. He appreciates Satter's unique perspective and mastery of the subject, making the book a valuable read for those interested in understanding Russia's past and its implications for the present.

Quick quotes

    First of all, that's a great title for a book.

    And this is a very good book.

    Veteran journalist David Satter explores the difficult terrain of historical memory

ResearchGate · TP Gerber · 2013-01-01
critical 2.50

The review criticizes the book for lacking coherent structure and organization. The reviewer finds some chapters detailed but feels the book takes on too much.

TP Gerber finds the book to be somewhat disjointed, lacking a coherent structure and organization. They note that the book takes on too much, neglecting clearly relevant material. While some chapters attempt detailed accounts, Gerber feels that the book could have benefited from a more focused approach. Despite these criticisms, they acknowledge that the book contains some interesting articles and insights.

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    The book lacks coherent structure and organization: it takes on too much while neglecting clearly relevant material

    Some chapters attempt detailed accounts of specific events, but these are often overshadowed by the book's lack of focus

    The anthology is a bit like yesterday's newspaper: not much that is news, but some interesting articles

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