The Mayakovsky Tapes: A Novel

I ordered this book because I have enjoyed Robert Littell's other books for many years. The premise of the book is very intriguing, that Vladimir Mayakovsky's women friends met in Moscow in 1953 and record their memoirs and experiences with the poet. He is described as a man who was extraordinary at revolution, poetry, and sex. It is never discussed whether these anecdotes are the creation of the author, or if there are some basis in the historical record. There some references to Mayakovsky's work, but Littell could have explained more about the relationship of these women to his literary biography. This is not in anyway a spy novel. but it is full of the flavor of Soviet Russia during the late Stalin era, with 20-20 hindsight about the ultimate fate of the Soviet system. If this sounds intriguing to you, give it a try. Littell has always bee a good writer and this is a new direction for him.

just did not care for it much.

Certainly not Littel's best work in my opinion (and I've read them all). Too repetitive and drawn out, like a Russian winter. It left me with feelings of contempt for the characters and certainly for the repressiveness of the Soviet regime.

A terrific historical novel.

Not a typical spy novel, a long read to get a fl for Soviet Russia after the revolution

Arrived promptly as described. Thanks!