A memoir of a Russian family

Nicolas Werth’s memoir Adieu ma Russie explores the personal and historical legacies of his family, intertwining his own life with that of his father, a historian who specialized in Russia and the USSR. The book is framed as a reflection on memory, history, and the complex relationship between generations.

A family history shaped by revolution

Werth’s father, Alexander Werth, was a historian of the USSR who lived through major events like the Prague Spring. Werth’s memoir begins with his father’s suicide after learning of Soviet tanks invading Czechoslovakia in 1969, an event that deeply affected the family. The book traces the family’s origins, including their roots as Russified Baltic nobility and their political leanings during the 1917 Revolution.

A historian’s journey through Soviet history

Werth’s work is deeply rooted in his research on the USSR, including the challenges of accessing restricted archives and interpreting previously unseen documents. He discusses how his father’s work influenced his own, while also highlighting differences in their perspectives on Soviet history, particularly regarding the violence inherent in the system.

The personal and the political in memory

Werth’s memoir is not just about history—it also focuses on personal relationships and the people who shaped his life. He writes about friends and colleagues who helped him survive and understand the brutal realities of Soviet rule. These stories are woven into the broader narrative of resistance and survival.

Language and the legacy of Soviet culture

The memoir includes reflections on the unique language of Soviet culture, with terms like kapstrany and propiska illustrating the specificities of life under the regime. Werth also discusses how some terms have faded from use, while others remain as markers of a bygone era, highlighting the ongoing struggle between truth and falsehood.

A historian’s reckoning with the present

Werth admits he was surprised by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, despite warnings from friends. He reflects on the dissolution of the Memorial association as a prelude to the war, showing how his personal and professional life has been shaped by the realities of contemporary Russia. His memoir offers a profound, emotionally powerful account of history and memory.