I have never before read about the soviet union or USSR. My only exposure was from popular culture and the entertainment industry. A western perspective mind you and very exaggerated, stereotyped and skewed. What Sergey opened up for me was a direct and honest reflection on what is like to have lived during the USSR and then reflect on what was good about it after escaping into the world of the west.

What surprised me most was how semi-normal everything was. You still went to the store, to school and played with friends. Sure Sergey may have grown up in a police state and sure there wasn’t too much variety and sure the education may have been pure propaganda and lies distributed by the government that everyone could see through, but it was safe, secure, controlled and routine.

He reflected on how rare and special a banana was, how he can recall his first taste of coca cola and yoghurt. He also outlined the process of him writing out his book and getting it published. When searching for a publishing house he struggled to find one in his country of residence, England. He reached out further and secured a deal with a US company all because it was believed no one would be interested in a book about the USSR. Perhaps this was misplaced and a mistake on behalf of the UK publisher as when the book was released in English it was one of few that contained real stories and experiences from the perspective of a young boy behind the Iron Curtain.

Sergey also described the reactions from friends and family when he published his book with some seeing it as a breach of trust by revealing family secrets and stories. He further elaborated that when he published the Russian version in December 2019 he had to censor some sensitive details that may be unappreciated by family still in Russia and also remove context that was relevant only for those who did not understand or live in the USSR and Russia.

He further reflects on how he addresses his younger self in third person and separates the two identities of the mature and global minded adult and the young and constrained boy. It was generally inspiring to see how he developed over time and how he came to be where he is today and has been able to educate many people about life in the USSR.