IRON CURTAIN The Crushing of Eastern Europe, 1945-1956

An essayist for the NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW recently questioned whether all books are suited for audio, and this book further tempts that question. Cassandra Campbell's experience shines during her excellent reading as she deftly pronounces a myriad of Russian and Eastern European names and locations. The narrative presents fascinating new aspects of the devastation wreaked upon Eastern Europe as the Communists gained power, much gleaned from newly available archival material and interviews. Campbell's delivery especially expresses the intimacy of the personal interviews. However, the audiobook does not include the tremendous array of helpful supplemental materials, including maps, photos, footnotes, and bibliography. Putting that aside, this inspired narration gives the listener a view of the brutality and methodology of the totalitarian regimes that crushed Eastern Europe after WWII. M.L.R. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2012]