I'm very fascinated by this book. Schlögel manages to describe many of the impressive events (I would summarize them as "giant constructions on soil and people") that take place in Moskau in and around 1937 as a hidden picture puzzle (Wimmelbild) or panorama. There are the fake trials, the real executions, giant canal buildings, the race to the northpole and for the sky, the rise and fall of politicians and people of the arts etc. After 2/3rd of the ~800 pages it becomes a bit extinguishing as all the events that really happened don't seem to make any sense to anybody (maybe that's what really happened: madness?) and Schlögel also abstains to play the guilty card or to jump to any conclusions.

Anyway, I think this book is a great way to get to know the spirit of the 1930ies in this part of the world and to get inspiration for an understanding of current events in Russia.