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Timeless Philosophical Question
History of Disease. Army: Life, Service, and Escape from the Russian Army shares your story of growing up in the U.S.S.R. during the Cold War, your experiences with the army, and ultimately your escape to Canada. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I think my life was generous enough for me with certain events, though not always pleasant and desirable, so I could share some moments of it with my readers. Also, it was exciting to restore it in detail and answer for myself eternal and timeless philosophical question of what could be changed, improved, or refined had I had a chance to go through it again.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In the light of Russian-Ukranian War, I wanted to answer questions about how and why Russia has degraded to the state it is in, with all associated unprofessionalism, incompetence, and barbarity of its Army. What made Russia to loose bright opportunities of 1990th to step into the family of European states following the example of Baltic states, why had it followed the old and so familiar brutal path leading it to the new dictatorship and catastrophe.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Since it was a memoir, it was not too hard to re-live my life unwinding it like an old tape recorder cassette. The challenge was to interpolate my life onto political events that were in abundance of that period of time of Russian history.
Over time, my vision of those events might have slightly changed and been affected by new experiences brought by my life in Canada and view through the prism of time. So, in certain moments it required certain efforts to present the events as they were without been biased and prejudiced.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
I tried and hopefully succeeded up to a certain extent, not to be too boring and overload my readers with unimportant and trivial details impregnating my story with irony and sarcasm. I wanted to send a message between the lines that one should be open-minded and resilient to the avalanche of outside brainwashing and propaganda, so omnipresent in the modern world, and be persistent in achieving one’s goals and dreams regardless of pit holes and unpleasant surprises which life has in stock for everybody. As once Mr. Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t – you are right.”
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Serge R. Pospelov, born in the USSR, reflects on a tumultuous journey from school years to the final days in Russia in his book “HISTORY OF DISEASE: Life, Service, and Escape from the Russian Army.” His narrative encompasses the sarcastic nuances of life in the USSR and the Russian Army, detailing the struggles, survival, and disappointments during the tumult of the 1990s. Volume 2 contains a memoir about his attempts to leave the country, leading to imprisonment under suspicion of espionage. Released without trial, he lived under the constant surveillance of the FSB until a daring escape took him from Russia to Belarus, then Poland, and ultimately to Canada.
History of Disease. Army
History of Disease: Army tells the compelling story of Serge Pospelov, tracing his journey from his early days at a military engineering school to his service in the Red Army. Pospelov’s path through the ranks, from a carefree youth running gambling rings to a disillusioned soldier grappling with corruption and inefficiency, unfolds in a way that highlights the sharp contrast between his initial hopes and the harsh realities he encounters. As his career advances—from military academy to active service—Pospelov’s growing frustration with the system ultimately leads him to pursue a personal mission to escape his homeland.
Though lengthy and dense, Pospelov’s autobiographical narrative is refreshingly easy to read. He writes in a natural, flowing style that pulls readers into his world without overwhelming them, despite the sheer volume of detail packed into each paragraph. While many of the names and events seem tangential or irrelevant to the core of his life story, they contribute to the rich backdrop he sets, adding texture and atmosphere to his experiences. One striking aspect of Pospelov’s writing is its narrow focus. The memoir is tightly centered on his experiences within the military and education system, with personal milestones like marriage or family life only mentioned in passing. This focused approach gives the narrative a clear direction, but it also underscores that the book isn’t meant to be a broad autobiography—it’s an anecdotal account, highlighting the aspects of his life most influenced by the institutions around him. Despite the heavy subject matter, the tone is far from dry. Pospelov injects a casual, sardonic humor into his writing that lightens the overall mood. His sharp wit and biting critiques of his superiors and the widespread corruption within Russian institutions make for an engaging and often entertaining read. The sarcastic asides and candid observations on the inefficiencies he witnesses add a layer of humor that keeps the reader engaged, even when dealing with weightier themes.
History of Disease: Army offers a detailed and personal glimpse into a life shaped by military service and institutional failure. Pospelov’s witty, accessible writing style ensures that this dense and information-rich memoir remains a captivating and insightful read. For those interested in personal accounts of military life, corruption, and resilience, this book provides a unique and highly readable perspective.
Pages: 380 | ASIN : B0DD62XB44
History of Disease. Escape
The Cold War era was a time of intense tension and uncertainty for both America and the Soviet Union, marked by a facade of stern diplomacy and covert efforts to outmaneuver each other. This is the setting for Serge R. Pospelov’s memoir, History of Disease. Army: Life, Service, and Escape from the Russian Army. The author, who grew up in the Soviet Union, offers a firsthand account of coming of age during this pivotal historical period. He vividly describes the experience of being indoctrinated to hate the American enemy while simultaneously grappling with painful truths about his own country. His narrative also delves into his deep desire to escape the oppressive environment and the intense scrutiny he endured before eventually achieving that goal.
Pospelov’s memoir is a gripping portrayal of the harsh realities of life in the U.S.S.R. from the perspective of an ordinary citizen. With a sharp wit, he recounts the ironies and challenges of daily life in the Soviet army. Readers are likely to see him as a heroic figure as he gradually confronts the overwhelming desire to leave his homeland in order to save his soul. As expected, the journey is fraught with challenges. Pospelov faces capture and interrogation under suspicion of espionage. Yet, his resourcefulness and determination shine through as he ultimately succeeds in escaping, embodying the irrepressible spirit of courage and ingenuity. Despite the serious nature of the story, Pospelov weaves in a surprising streak of dark humor. His ability to find the absurdity in his circumstances adds depth to his narrative, making it not only compelling but also endearing. It is this blend of humor and unwavering resolve that leaves a lasting impression, making Pospelov’s story both memorable and inspiring.
Serge R. Pospelov’s History of Disease. Army: Life, Service, and Escape from the Russian Army is a vivid and moving memoir that illuminates life in the Soviet Union. Pospelov’s memoir is a story of survival and a moving testimony of humans’ potent self-preservative drive. This book will stay with the reader long after they close its final pages.
Pages: 574 | ASIN : B0D8LVY5BW
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