Inside Stalin's Kremlin: An Eyewitness Account of Brutality, Duplicity, and Intrigue

by Joseph C. Evans, Peter S. Deriabin

Release Date: March, 2000

Edition: Paperback

Price:

More Info

Gripping factual account that tackles the tough questions.

This is the memoir of a high ranking officer within the bodyguard administration of the Kremlin (Stalin's bodyguards). The author is the only know member of Stalin's bodyguards know to have escaped to the West. This book was published some 6 years after the author's death. The interworkings of the dark side within Stalin's Kremlin is detailed. The book mainly details the Stalin Beria relationship and the author's conclusions of how the ruthless Beria ultimately murdered Stalin. A very captivating and intriguing read, the book is filled with little known details of the Stalin era and fills in the gap where other books leave out. This book tackles the big issues-Stalin's death-by providing the knowledge learned by the author, who was there. Other works simply don't discuss this. As a memoir with an easy suspenseful read, history buffs must focus on the details throughout the work. The author does substantiate claims made. The author clearly shows how Stalin was losing his power and protection in the year prior to his death. Beria's behind the scene maneuverings and Stalin's own paranoia were responsible for much of the stripping of Stalin's protection. (The author even provides a list of those fired or executed during Stalin's last months in chapter 14.) Even on the pages of Pravda Stalin was reduced to Secretary from General Secretary-as Pravda had always printed-announcing that Stalin's position was weakening. It is these significant facts added to the author's own experiences that give new weight to Stalin's demise. As far as I am aware, other works have not mentioned this. Another example is the author's revelation that Stalin murdered his wife, and how he was almost removed as leader because of it. The author then reveals that Stalin ordered the executions of all the doctors who signed her death certificate (verified by other sources) to cover his tracks. That the gun used to kill her was Stalin's. It is these added details that give credence to the author's claims. He goes beyond other works. The author does not hesitate to address controversial areas. After reading the author's first book, The Secret World, first published in 1959, which is a complete autobiography of the author that details his extensive career in the KGB and the Communist Party, I understood the terror that Stalin spread through his reign. The author has written many books about Russia and has used his experience from within to share with his audience. A gripping account of great historic value. Highly recommended.

A unique acount from a KGB insider who defected in 1954.

Peter Deriabin served in Naval SMERSH, the Guards Directorate and the Foreign Intelligence Directorate of the KGB in Moscow and Vienna. His story of the "Saboteur-Doctor's" , Kirov's death, Stalin's murder by Beria, Beria's removal, and the Sled-Chast [special investigative unit]reveals what those serving in Lubyanka at the time knew of these events as they occurred. His version of Stalin's murder has never been told in print before this book. While some of the stories told originate from close KGB friends, others are supported by various authors and news account cited in the end notes, and Deriabin's own experiences. Deriabin provides new information about KGB officers known to many. The chapters about his defection Vienna are well documented. Joseph Evans, an experienced CIA clandestine service officer, worked with Deriabin for years and finished the book after Deriabin's death. This is a remarkable contribution to the intelligence literature with many new details of the KGB as it functioned under Stalin.