Sergej Kourdakov | Order from: csv-verlag.de | 246 pages | €9.95
The orphan Sergei experiences brutality and neglect in various children's and youth homes during his early years. In this cold, oppressive environment, Sergei discovers that communism is the only true and ideal path for his life. He embarks on a military career. During this time, he receives a special assignment from the secret police: to target certain enemies of the state, namely Christians. The police offer him a large sum of money for this mission. To carry it out, he assembles a ruthless gang. The terrorizing of Christians begins under the leadership of Sergei Kourdakov. Informants regularly reveal to him the locations of the Christians' secret meetings. As a result, they are attacked and brutally beaten.
Sergei doesn't realize he's targeting innocent Christians, not criminals. The Christian woman Natasha falls victim to his gang of thugs several times. Sergei realizes she possesses something he's been searching for his entire life. He begins reading the documents he previously confiscated from the Christians. This completely changes his views on communism. He discovers that his only chance of survival is escape. He flees to Canada. In exile, he eventually converts and manages to write this book. In 1975, the year of its publication, Sergei is shot and killed. The book is based on a true story. It offers profound insight into the communist system of the 1960s and 70s. In short, a powerful and compelling book.
Johann Wiens,
Municipality of Balingen