Refusenik: Trapped in the Soviet Union

by Mark Ya Azbel

Describes the human background of the authors life. The hardships of childhood in wartime Siberia, the joys and sorrows of becoming a full member of the privileged Soviet intelligentsia, the gradual growth of awareness of his Jewish roots, the transfer of his loyalties from Russia to Israel, the decision to emigrate, the drama of his five year leadership of the group of Jewish dissidents in Moscow, and the final safe arrival in the promised land with wife and daughter and cat.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Barry Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me when it was first published in 1981, I bought and kept it as a treat/reward for when I finished studying for my degree in chemistry (which by the way I was awarded a 2ii honours). It was worth waiting, the book is a complete inspiration, the persistence and perseverance of Mark Ya Azbel moved me to tears throughout the book. It is beautifully written and documents the hardship, oppression and achievements of a Jewish theoretical physicist. He was a theoretical physicist because the only laboratory or workshop he needed was his mind, no matter what, he could work in his chosen field regardless of what was taken from him or where he was incarcerated. This book is one of my treasured possessions and will always remain so.

[Meilech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the amazing story of professor Mark YA Azbel, a jewish theoretical physicist living under the oppressive USSR.

After the noose around the jewish necks were tightening, although he himself being a scientist was in a privileged role he decided to apply for immigration to Israel.

Being a Refusenik - somebody that was refused a visa to leave Russia - he lost his job and was being tortured for years before finally being let go.

Throughout this time though he fought back and tried to help other people in his place and did not relinquish for a minute.

This is him remarkable story and I would highly recommend it to everyone!!!!

[Smooth Herman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an honour to read this book; a haunting revelation that will stay with me. The author passed away only three years earlier since I picked up the book to read, having sat in my library for over a decade.