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The BookViral Review:
A superb mix of well-researched historical fact and pure fiction, “Commissar” proves a smart and entertaining historical thriller with all the hallmarks of a bestseller. A novel that’s entirely aware of its genre’s conventions and transcends them as it surpasses the simplistic moralities that inform far too many genre offerings, to take the high, morally haunting ground.
A bitter, bloody tour de force Chernov unflinchingly explores the random horror, grisly spectacle and the ugliness of war and ideology with a narrative that has an intoxicating, classic feel about it and instantly submerges its readers in the period.
Underpinned by meticulous historical recreation that is frighteningly real its light on sentimentality but high on human drama with one of “Commissar’s” greatest strengths being Chernov’s extraordinary characterization that reaches from lead characters Anna Sokolova and William Arden (both tantalizingly believable and involving) right down to the smallest supporting roles with adrenalized emotions and vividly conveyed imagery,
Saying things about war that are as complex and difficult as any essayist could possibly express, Chernov does this with broad, powerful descriptions, violence, profanity and action that beautifully articulates the uniqueness of camaraderie experienced by those who wholly believe in that for which they fight and are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.
On this level “Commissar” looks at Civil War Russia in 1918 with unflinching honesty. Exploring the fear and pain of Chernov’s main characters in addition to the fortitude and bravery in his extended cast in a war where the fallen and survivors are often separated by nothing more than the thin wedge of luck as he puts his readers right in the moment at every stage.
Wrenchingly emotive, deftly written and tremendously powerful “Commissar” is an unreservedly recommended 5-star read.
Building just enough back story to establish key characters in the lead-up to pivotal events, it’s relentlessly intense with one of the key strengths of “Verses Of The Void” being its deliberate pacing. It’s certainly not slow to start, and Clark is quick to build momentum, establishing the rationale for war from opposing perspectives.
Lois Vander Wende-Williams brings an insightful and moving novel of emerging persona, in her uniquely written book, ‘Inchoate’. With a fresh and innovative perspective, she burrows deeply into the psyche of ‘coming of age’, and the confusion and uncertainty that comes with it.
Whilst there is undoubted value in considering historical context, not least because past forces, individuals and trends both shape the present and provide valuable lessons for our future decisions, is historical fiction of any value?
The explosion in self-publishing and the subsequent success of self-published authors has certainly turned the publishing industry on its head.
The Covid-19 pandemic has influenced our consumption of media in a variety of ways. From every new Netflix original being crowned its ‘best ever’, to cinema releases being consistently pushed back, stay at home orders have resulted in us engaging with media differently.
Constant speed-reading and jumping from one hyperlink to the next have subconsciously trained our minds to absorb information superficially
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