"The extraordinary and Tumultuous Life of Svetlana Alliluyeva" is the whole title of this book. It is a superb read, and although it looks daunting at nearly 700 pages, it is so well written that it is a very quick read.
This is the life of Svetlana Stalin. She grew up in the Kremlin and was part of very significant events in World history. She had contact with all the main players in Russian political life and in this book we read of how that influenced who she became.
Some parts are so extraordinary, it seems part of a novel or a movie script. Svetlana managed to defect to America in the 60's and even then, was unable to establish firm roots. She moved all the time, searching for something, someone and never quite reaching the fulfillment she desired.
Svetlana died in 2011, so most of the material which is very well researched is based on interviews with friends and family, especially Olga, her American daughter.
Incredibly well worthwhile reading this book. Very well researched and written. Insightful.
