vibrant and humane portrait of a remarkable city in the face of a terrible enemy. He has succeeded triumphantly in restoring the Battle for Moscow to its proper place in history * Daily Telegraph *
a real taste of people's history...he allows them to tell their stories of comradeship, inventiveness, hunger and horror * New Statesman *
A heartbreaking and thrilling story of peerless heroism and misery on a barely imaginable scale...the reader staggers from laughter to tears, while never forgetting that blood is flowing. -- Simon Sebag Montefiore * Daily Mail *
a wide-ranging and excellent account...Braithwaite never shirks the terrible truths -- Antony Beevor * Sunday Times *
engrossing and masterly account...this is a significant contribution to our understanding of the Great Patriotic War * The Independent *
In the grim roster of battles, Moscow has always been overshadowed by Stalingrad....Rodric Braithwaite's epic history, skilfully drawing on the experiences of ordinary Russians, goes a long way to setting the record straight. * Sunday Telegraph *
Extraordinary story. -- Simon Mayo * Radio Five *
Braithwaite...has written the best history book of the year so far. * Sunday Herald *
With great skill, he maintains tension throughout this sinewy, moving and consummately crafted history of the soviet union's darkest hours...it is the stuff of epics. * Glasgow Herald *
A vivid picture of the stark and bloody struggle for national survival with which Russia's war began. * Economist *
Braithwaite...retells the story with verve and compassion. * The Guardian *
an impressive account * Financial Times *
It is remarkable to find new material, new insights and even fresh revealing reflections on Stalin * The Tribune *
dramatic and frightening reading * Daily Express *
a masterful account * Times *
an outstanding book...these accounts provide a fascinating insight not only into the war but also into Soviet society. * THES *
a splendid read, full of interesting material, and essential for anyone trying to understand the Russians...and the war they fought and won at such a great cost * BBC History Magazine *
one of the most overlooked moments in history...the strength of Moscow 1941 lies in its eye for detail, the snapshots of everyday life that set the scene * Observer *
Together with his remarkably clear, concise style...and his empathy with the people, he achieves a graphic vividness which puts this book on a level with Beevor's * Mail on Sunday (5 stars) *
a remarkable epic, vividly portrayed * Sunday Telegraph *
