‘Why should I know about him?’ is the first line of ‘Drink Against Drunkenness – The Life And Times Of Sasha Soldatow’, a biography by Inez Baranay.It’s a good question.
Soldatow was not a famous person with a history of official achievements or recognition. Yet he had many talents including friendship, writing in many forms, publishing, drawing, playing the piano, gardening, cooking, falling in love and having intense sexual relationships, provoking and challenging, and especially having fun.
Baranay found the question answered during talks when the book was in its early stages. She writes: “Not only was Sasha one of the most unforgettable, influential, charming, infuriating, brilliant people they remembered, but he is also interesting in terms of the spirit of the times …”.
Baranay resists simple explanations or conclusions about Soldatow’s character. Instead, she takes the reader on a journey through his life.
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