Breaking Stalin's Nose Book Reveiw

Written by: Stuart McKnight

Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin , is a short chapter book targeting younger readers, while still containing an interesting and entertaining plot. The book follows a young Russian boy on his two day adventure in Stalin-dictated Russia. The way Yelchin describes the brutality and ruthless government of the Soviet Union, yet makes it appropriate for younger readers gives it a lighthearted feel. We found an interesting aspects of the book is that it's in the perspective of a little boy. He views Stalin in a godly manner in which Stalin is watching over everyone and where Stalin is always right. He believes every half truth he is told and when he loses his father to the Secret Police, he begins to question his friends, and his loyalty to Stalin. Sasha, the protagonist, lives with his father in a community apartment building. They are well off, and everything seems to be going well for them, at least through Sasha’s eyes. His father working for the Government and Sasha soon to be a Pioneer, both living loyal to Stalin’s rule. However, one night a unmarked black car, with tinted windows arrived to take Sasha’s father away. Shortly after, one of the neighboring families takes Sasha’s house and leaves her homeless and fatherless. Sasha visits his aunt looking for someplace to sleep. He doesn't want him to stay with them, concerned the secret police will suspect his family of being against Stalin’s rule, much like Sasha’s father was suspected of. We found this an interesting and entertaining read and highly recommend this book to any audience, young readers or older kids looking for a quick read.