The Lepers

The Lepers by Gennady Levitsky, published by Pegasus Elliot Mackenzie Publishers on June 29, 2023, offers an eyewitness account of Jewish life in the Soviet Union during the 1970s and 1980s. This edition, comprising 212 pages, presents a detailed exploration of the struggles faced by Jews as they sought to maintain their identity and their right to emigrate from the USSR, navigating a challenging journey from what was termed the “empire of evil” to the “free world.”

Readers will find a rich narrative that delves into the unique aspects of the Holocaust in the Baltic republics, the Stalin purges, and the operations of the KGB, which enforced control over the population. Levitsky’s memoir provides insights and information that are not readily available from other sources, making it a significant contribution to the understanding of this historical period. The book’s focus on personal experiences and historical context offers a compelling perspective on the complexities of identity and freedom during a tumultuous time.