Arkady Returns

[Mary]

I thought he was a goner in this book, but he survives to solves some more Russian Crimes without the credit or recognition he deserves. I had forgotten how much I enjoy MC Smith's books and was glad that the library had it available when I went looking for a new book. I like that his protagonist is human and has good qualities as well flaws. I like the historical aspects as well as getting a small glimpse of what changes Russia is going thru.

[Richard]

i think Smith is a brilliant writer, and the best this genre offers. Unlike most series the lead character actually becomes more interesting with each book, and all the relationships grow. Smith's understanding of recent (WWII on) Russian history is outstanding, and he seems to have insight into the Russian character. There are moments in this one that are awesome - the dead bodies hanging in deep water that Renko calls "memory." Yeow, what an image. Even the dream sequences, which are awful in most books, are well done. I just can't say enough positive things about Stalin Returns, or any of the other in the Renko series. And poor Renko - what are they going to do with him next?

[Dorothy]

I just finished "Stalin's Ghost." It's the third book of the series that I have read, "Gorky Park" and "Polar Star" being the first two. I really admire the character of Arkady. He seems a very real, if world-weary person, who is trying to do the honorable thing in a dishonorable world. Smith's grasp of the atmospherics of modern Russian society and of the Russian character seems very realistic to me.

My husband, who recommended the book to me, warned me at the outset that Arkady is "rough-handled" in the book. I must say he did not exaggerate. Poor Arkady - rough-handled indeed.

I was just a bit disappointed in the ending of the book. It seemed a bit anti-climactic, but all in all I enjoyed it very much. And Arkady survives. Battered but unrepentant.

[Steve]

Stalin's Ghost is a great book in my opinion and I'll certainly read Gorky Park.

[Jeff]

Stalin's Ghost was the first Arkady novel that I read and enjoyed it. Love the dark humor and the glimpse into Russia at the time the novel was set. I'd definitely read another one.

[John]

I enjoy his writing mostly because the settings cover the changes in his country before, during and after Glasnost. The movie "Gorky Park" with Hurt, was excellent. His extremely negative observations about life in the Soviet Union and later, could raise suspicions about CIA funding of his writing. A lot of that was done during the Cold War.

[Marley]

I had the "pleasure" of spending the night at the Tver Motel back in 1989. Back then it was the only decent place to stay in this dismal town. A few years ago a friend spent the entire summer there gong to school. He survived without serious suicidal thoughts MCS has nailed Tver to a T.