My Russia

by Peter Ustinov

The noted actor-writer's accounts of his visits to the land of his parents' birth, together with 120 specially commissioned photographs, provide insight into the amazing diversity and subtle mysteries of life in the Soviet Union

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Russia

224 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1983

About the author

Sir Peter Alexander Ustinov, CBE, was a English actor, writer and dramatist.

He was also renowned as a filmmaker, theatre and opera director, director, stage designer, screenwriter, comedian, humorist, newspaper and magazine columnist, radio broadcaster and television presenter.

A noted wit and raconteur, he was, for much of his career, a fixture on television talk shows and lecture circuits, as well as a respected intellectual and diplomat who, in addition to his various academic posts, served as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and President of the World Federalist Movement.

Ustinov was the winner of numerous awards over his life, including Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, Golden Globes and BAFTA Awards, as well the recipient of governmental honours from, amongst others, the United Kingdom, France and Germany. He displayed a unique cultural versatility that has frequently earned him the accolade of a Renaissance Man.

Reviews

[Peter Holford · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this book as a birthday present almost 30 years ago and, despite having dipped into it at times over the years, have just this year read it through from cover to cover. It is a mix between a popular (i.e. not scholarly) history of Russia and an extended essay on Ustinov's own views on Russia, her relations with and place in the world. Ustinov frequently gives his own asides on the nature of the Russian people and his own interpretation of her and world affairs, and makes no attempt to conceal his personal viewpoint. Thus the title, although suggested by his publisher, is quite appropriate.

In a sense the book is quite out of date and the author (English actor Sir Peter Ustinov, CBE) seems to overstate his sympathies with the Russian people (his father was of Russian descent) and his reservations concerning the West. But it is important to remember that this book was published in 1983, eight years before the end of the Soviet Union, at a time of elevated tension in the Cold War. Ronald Reagan was US President and Gorbachev and his reforms were yet to become known.

Ustinov paints a vivid picture of Russia's emergence onto the world stage and provides many reasons for why the Russian people have been misunderstood by the West and for the mutual mistrust that has been characteristic between Russia and the West for a couple of centuries. Political and historical considerations aside, Ustinov also presents us with a very positive view of the Russian people: warm, passionate, community-minded, lovers of poetry and music.

In this sense the book remains of value and interest to anyone with an interest in Russia and the Russian people.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

A fascinating view of Russian history from not a scholar but English actor of half-Russian descent, sympathetic to the Soviet Union but ultimately national chauvinist in character. Ustinov recognizes class struggle but reads history through the leaders of Russia (more accurately, Russia and its territories). Some interesting observations regarding the Soviet Union, particularly in regards to the geopolitics of the Cold War and hawkish attitudes prevalent in the West at the time. Serviceable for a sympathetic view of Russian history in the 80s, but obviously an outdated work of popular history which holds little relevance for the present.

[Malcolm Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to have seen Austin of on 2 occasions. He was so talented. I thought that this book might be about a journey round Russia. Sadly it was a misguided attempt at a history of Russia.
I have no real interest in Russian history so I went forward to the 20th century. I found the book was unbalanced very pro Soviets anti Western powers.
The book having been written in 1983 is now badly dated.He either ignores or glosses over the worst excesses of the Soviets.No mention of the purges of the 1930s.Claims Stalin was aware that Germany was going to invade,well he should be Churchill warned him.No mention of the Arctic convoys or the Katy massacre.They invaded Finland as a defensive measure!One line mentions of the invasions of Budapest and Prauge.The Soviets British spies were not traitors merely misunderstood. Polish liberalisation in the eighties was a threat to Soviet lines of communication with East Germany.
He should have visited Poland and the Baltic states to see how they hated the Soviets and how pleased they were to be liberated.
I would add that if it were not for the illustrations I would give the book 1 star.

[Behrooz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was ok. I liked Peter Ustinov.

[Rhode PVD · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is colorful and fun, more like one of those old TimeLife books than a serious scholarly volume. It is meant as entertainment first and foremost, and in that sense it succeeds. Is it revelatory or even perfectly accurate? I am not qualified to judge.