The Archivist's Story Audiobook (Unabridged)

" Set in russia in 1939 - it tells a of beaten down man, who makes a decision to stage a personal rebellion against the "State". A very quick read. "

" This is an impressive effort about a literature teacher on the eve of WWII in Stalinist Russia who's been removed from his teaching job & assigned to manage the files--book, article, short story, & poetry manuscripts--at a prison where writers arrested under the regime are being held. The archivist struggles to retain a shred of humanity as he is compelled to destroy the nation's literary legacy, & his personal past is gradually undermined & destroyed as well. It's pretty grim, but the author very effectively captures the desperation & fear & despair as well as the flame of humanity that drives the character. "

" I thought this was amazing. Wish I knew more about Russian literature and Soviet history, but even with my lame background knowledge, I was very drawn in, and troubled, by this book. In a good, think-about-stuff sort of way. "

" This was a gripping, moving and wonderfully descriptive novel. I was sorry when it ended and look forward to reading more by this great writer. "

" An interesting story of a Russian archivist working for the communist party in 1939, and his dilemma at having to destroy important literary works. "

" Such a sad tale of life in Russia just prior to WWII. The author has done a wonderful job of a superb job of subtly expressing the despair and fear ordinary citizens had to cope with on a daily basis. "

" A short, sweet story about what it must have been like for academics heading into the depths of Stalinist Russia. The beginnings of World War 2 and the nightmare of Stalin's purges are a backdrop to one man's personal struggles between what he knows to be right and self-preservation. "

" Too many adjectives, too many corny metaphors. But the archivist character is actually pretty good. "

" wonderful story and beautiful prose. can't wait until he publishes his next book "

" This is Holland's first novel and its spare tale of one man's struggle under Russian oppression is compelling and beautifully crafted. This was shortlisted for the IMPAC Dublin Award. "

" Though low-key in action, this was a powerful story about personal courage and how one person can quietly make a difference even when it means putting his own life in danger. "

" Interesting glimpse into a part of history that's strange to believe occurred. Enjoyable. "

" I can appreciate the sacrifices one makes for great literature, though this is an enormous one. "

" The writing didn't knock me out, but it was a good story. "

" It would have helped if I had a better grasp of Russian history to be able to put this all into context. At first I found the ending disappointing, but then I think I began to understand the author's intent. "

" wonderful story and beautiful prose. can't wait until he publishes his next book "

" Interesting glimpse into a part of history that's strange to believe occurred. Enjoyable. "

" Though low-key in action, this was a powerful story about personal courage and how one person can quietly make a difference even when it means putting his own life in danger. "

" I can appreciate the sacrifices one makes for great literature, though this is an enormous one. "

" Set in Russia, with the usual bleakness and sense of helplessness, but not so bleak I couldn't get through it; I would not have chosen it if it were not the library book club selection. "

" Didn't finish this. Found it rather bleak and slow. "