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WW2: a child realises the full extent of Stalin’s power
WW2: a child realises the full extent of Stalin’s power
For 10-year-old Sasha, tomorrow is a big day. Tomorrow is the day he will finally be accepted into Comrade Stalin’s Young Soviet Pioneers. The son of a State Security secret policeman, and a proud supporter of the Communist Party, acceptance into the Pioneers is Sasha’s first step towards following in his father’s footsteps. But when his father is taken away the night before the ceremony, Sasha is thrown into a state of confusion.
Over the next 24 hours, Sasha realises that everything he believes in and the government he idolizes may not be as ideal as he thinks.
“Stalin says that sharing our living space teaches us to think as Communist “We” instead of capitalist “I” . We agree. In the morning, we often sing patriotic songs together when we line up for the toilet
The State Security is our secret police, and their job is to unmask the disguised enemies infiltrating our borders. My dad is one of their best. Comrade Stalin personally pinned the order of the Red Banner on his chest and called him “An iron broom purging the vermin from our midst”
Communism is just over the horizon; soon there will be plenty of food for everyone.”
Author/Guide: Eugene Yelchin Destination: Russia,St Petersburg Departure Time: WW2
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