The book is an historical compendium from the perspective
of Khrushchev in his retirement years. He discusses his
family and chance rise to power within the bureaucratic
maze of Soviet politics during the Stalin era. The work provides
an important perspective for future generations of historians.
He relates the details of a potential land deal involving
Russian territories offered to Hitler during the War. The book
contains many pictures of political figures in the previous
century. Importantly, Khrushchev recited some regrets.
For instance, he regretted not supporting Pasternak.
" ... I feel sorry that I didn't support Pasternak. I regret that I had a hand in banning his book and that I supported
Suslov. We should have given the readers the opportunity to reach their own verdict. Judgments should depend on the readers.
I'm truly sorry for the way I behaved toward Pasternak. My only
excuse is that I didn't read the book."
The book contains a very detailed history of Khrushchev's career
in the Appendix. This work is a "must read" for serious
students of world history. It will be read for years to come
by historians throughout the world. Fortunately, the United States
prevailed in the Cold War. It will take generations to
unscramble the rumblings throughout the world as a result of
the Cold War and the aftermath of the reconstruction efforts.
