Chocolate Lenin: A Novel

CHOCOLATE LENIN written by Graham Diamond
Posted on November 30, 2012 by needie in books (submitted by Joey123)

Chocolate Lenin, a unique satire and thriller, is based in a New Age Russia that politically feels they have to prove to the rest of the world how far they have come. Readers who are familiar with the society, culture, media, life and politics of Russian history, altogether the Russian way of life, will probably get the most out of this book. For others who are unfamiliar with Lenin a brief synopsis may help.

Vladimir Lenin is the founder of the Soviet Republics – a communist philosopher, leader of the Bolshevik Party and the mastermind of the 1917 October Revolution. He reshaped Russia and had millions of followers while applying his communist ideas to real life. Some consider him a prophet, others a tyrant; there are those who call him a saint, many more – a devil. What is certain is that Lenin played an enormous role in the history of the 20th century. Vladimir Lenin forever changed the face of the world.(if you’re not familiar with Russian history and Lenin etc, and you like this book; you may want to read more about it).

The book gives a feel of experiencing the characters need to extrapolate the mindset of the old Russia. With much concern for global scrutiny the reader finds themselves promptly thrown into the drama of preparations for a jubilee coordinated by one of the main characters Ladimir (Vlad) Petrovsky. Vlad has put his physical and mental health as well has an unstable marriage(primarily due to work) to the side to make sure he properly executes every aspect of his new job description as Public Relations Director for the jubilee. As if the pressure of the upcoming jubilee isn’t enough Vlad goes to meet with Boris Sokolov an old acquaintance who informs him that the rumors of the renowned scientist Dr.Mikhail Sunavich disappearing are true. However, he has not only disappeared, but he has also become crazed and gone rogue. Sunavich while working in the Alexander Nevsky Chocolate Factory has recreated the historic revolutionary leader Lenin, and restores him to life. An elite, but very quirky security team is formed to stop a new revolution from creating worldwide pandemonium and trouble. Rabbi Asher Isaac Titlebaum is a brilliant physicist, who is the “nemesis” of Dr. Sunavich is put in charge of leading the elite group. Alina Vera Galina, whom previously has worked with Dr. Mikhail Sunavich, fears for her life after an attempted assassination goes awry causing her to be reserved and suspicious about people around her. I enjoyed reading about the relationship between Alina Vera and Vlad; initially strangers when they met, but gradually they entrust each other and develop a relationship. The American, Floyd Dingus, works for the Department of Agriculture and is sent to check the factory. The political heads of Russia do not want to let this issue become public so Vlad and Alina are in charge of watching and escorting Dingus around the country. He shows the two immediate interested in the chocolate factory and is given direct orders to inspect the premises on his own. Madam Zaza, the psychic, has a brief yet memorable appearance in the book. There is a broad spectrum of personalities within the group, but they have to work together in order to succeed this causes tension the reader can almost feel,. This aspect adds depth and intrigue to the story. The character interaction and the dialogues are so realistic. The story flows nicely and it’s difficult to stop reading it. You should be ready for some unexpected turn of events. As the story unfolds and Lenin begins to make his initials appearance to the public, there a quite memorable experiences like Ivan Pushkin’s (a factory worker) encounter or the group of drunk guys who help him get out of the city after they playfully taunt and tease him. New Lenin’s speeches were heartfelt; he has compassion for his fellow”comrades” who are underpaid and over worked. The group he speaks to the first time taunt him until they realize who he is and they begin to almost worship and praise his name as “a second coming”. The reader may be in store for a boom! The uniquely original, largely humorous tale, Chocolate Lenin provides a new curve on our fast-moving world of technology and science.

3 out of 5 tiaras — Review written by Blogger Melissa Hitt

needie's tiara score ( )

This book is certainly one of the most unusual. From the opening pages you realize the world you have entered is familiar yet very strange indeed. These mad scientists, spies, revolutionaries, musicians, performers, astrologers, et al, are unlike any you've come across before.
Greatly original, Chocolate Lenin, in my view, cannot help but be a cult classic. It has charm and wit, and ver smart dialog. Graham Diamond is to be applauded. ( )

A quality satire. ( )