Review of “Perestroika” by Joao Cerqueira

93/100 (9.3 out of 10)

What is truth?
And what does freedom really mean?

Perestroika is a unique and interesting historical fiction novel by Joao Cerquiera. The book concerns the revolutionary reforms and cultural, societal, and political shifts that led to the transition from socialism to capitalism and democracy in countries formerly part of the Soviet Union.

This book is rather unique in that rather than following one main character from beginning to end—in a linear fashion—the narrative follows an ensemble cast of characters experiencing different aspects and phases of the reforms/revolution. You could make the argument that the main character of this tale isn't a person, it's an idea and a process: perestroika itself.

Perestroika loosely translates to “restructuring” or “reforming.” We'd simply translate it as “change.” And change is beautiful, powerful, yet frightening thing!

The author uses the nation-state of Slavia as their canvas.

This book also illustrates how the hunger for power, corruption, and greed are present in all forms of government, only that they're more obvious, apparent, and empowered in a communist dictatorship. You'll see that evil isn't just one man or one regime, but that it lingers, traveling to person to person and place to place.

As we said before, this book follows numerous characters in different situations and in different parts of perestroika. You could almost say that this book explores different cogs in the machine and different bricks in the wall. Present are also different spokes in the wheel of change.

Ludwig Kirchner is one such an example, a painter who uses his artistic skills to express rebellious sentiments that would otherwise be censored or land him in a reeducation or labor camp. Indeed, his paintings don't go unnoticed by the regime and their secret police who decide to exploit him and his paintings for their financial benefit. This brings up another theme in the book: hypocrisy. Despite the communist party of Slavia (the ruling party) persecuting people for supporting capitalist ideas, the leaders themselves financially benefit from exploiting capitalism and mercantilism themselves. They can make sure that they're the only players in the game, the only ones with control of the product, the means of production, and the economy. It is insider trading at its most diabolical!

Ludgwig's arc also brings up one other huge question: can a person really create when they aren't free? If Ludwig paints under duress or threat of death, will his paintings really be as beautiful or valuable?

Ludwig's wife and daughter also play a role in the book, particularly shining near the end of it.

Parallel to Ludwig is Ana Kull, a journalist who uses her writing to throw shade at the party and push for change without being obvious or blatant about it.

There are also more severe and militant members of the perestroika movement like Leonidas, who goes so far as to orchestrate a plot to blow up a chemical factory with the potential loss of innocent life. Leonidas is the Che Guevara of this story.

Tobias is another fascinating character who takes it to the extreme. Tobias is one of many victims of one of the party members, Zut Zhanhov, the Minister of Propoganda. Zhanhov is a disgusting pedophile who particularly exploited children at the orphanage that Tobias grew up in. Tobias's arc is a Inglorious Basterds-like plot of revenge.

There's also the tale of Father Ivo, the priest who was robbed of his faith and dignity by being thrown into a labor camp.

Intersecting with Father Ivo's arc is Igor Olin, the People's Commissar (Secretary) for the Economy, who comes to Ivo with many regrets.

And that's probably the most interesting aspect of this book: you get the perspectives of those who actually serve in (or served) the regime/party. Olin's is one such perspective, but arguably the most interesting is Pitr Schwartz, Chief of the Secret Police. Schwartz is almost a proto-Stalin (during the reign of Lenin), serving as the head of public security while also secretly controlling everything due to having dirt and leverage on everyone. It's actually from Schwartz and his investigative files that we actually get most of the background of the major party members, mainly President Ionescu himself. We learn that Ionescu isn't the perfect, flawless, infallible person/leader that the captive media and propaganda make him out to be. For example, we learn that Ionescu was actually a miscreant, a thief, a criminal, an ex-con, and even a rapist and a murderer before coming to prominence. It is this knowledge that Schwartz is able to dangle over Ionescu's head—the threat of irreparably destroying his public image and his cult of personality.

What's actually quite interesting is that we get to know these party members quite well, even learning about their families. Does this humanize these villains too much? Maybe. But it also gives us another perspective: there are two sides to every story.

This book is full of layers and complexities, which works to its benefit and detriment. Not having one main character or plot thread we can follow from beginning to end can be off-putting. There are times when this book seems a bit scatterbrained or unfocused. However, it does its job.

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