Moryak: A Novel of the Russian Revolution

Lee Mandel
iUniverse (2009)
ISBN 9781440141508
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (02/10)

 

I was pleasantly surprised to find such a well-written, historical novel.  The author did an excellent job in keeping historical facts accurate and interweaving such an interesting story in the mix. 

Lt. Stephen Morrison, adopted son of the late Congressman Morrison, has come a long way from his roots as a Russian immigrant and son of a Rabbi.  Because of his Jewish background, he was constantly challenged while he was growing up and anger lives very close to the surface with Morrison.  He has put his emotions to good use and is fast tracked into a great career as a Naval Officer. 

When President Theodore Roosevelt learns that the Russian Tsar is going to sabotage peace negotiations between Russia and Japan, he approaches Stephen Morrison for assistance. Morrison agrees to leave his wife and go to Russia with an English spy to overthrow the Tsar.  His wife, family and co-workers have no idea what his real mission is and think that he is going to work on a new ship with the English Navy.  The mission is only supposed to last a few weeks, and Morrison is looking forward to quickly resuming his life as husband and Naval Officer.   

The only twist in Morrison’s plan is that if they are ever found out, the US and England will deny any involvement.  And as fate would have it, Morrison gets captured and is sentenced to death, but through a remarkable twist is able to assume a new identity and ends up in a Russian Labor Camp.  Through his incredible skills, he is able to move up the ranks and becomes “Moryak” which means sailor in Russian.  As Moryak, he gets noticed by Lenin’s group and is able to join them and assist the Allies during World War I.  

If you love historical novels with a twist, then you will love this novel.  But be advised, once you pick up “Moryak” by Lee Mandel, you will have a hard time putting it down.  It makes for a great read on a cold winter night sitting by a warm fire. 

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