Rabow-Edling released this book in 2025 for the 200th anniversary of the Decembrist Revolt. My knowledge about this event was limited to the page or two that would be covered in Russian history books that spanned centuries. I got this book from the library and looked forward to learning more.
She began by writing about the current view of the Decembrists in Russia today and how their ideals are antithetical to the current ruling class. The Decembrists were members of the aristocracy. They had lands and titles. They also fought in the Napoleonic wars. They traveled across Europe and saw the differences between those countries and their own. Russia still practiced serfdom.
These men longed for liberty. Rabow-Edling writes about how they believed in heroic sacrifice. She also notes several times how the Decembrists were unique because they acted against their own self interest. They were wealthy, well educated, and had a bright future. Yet they were disillusioned with the Russian government. They had read from the great thinkers like Grotius, Pufendorf, and Locke and wanted to see Russia embrace liberty.
They hoped that Tzar Alexander I would usher in reforms. He at first seemed open to the idea. However reforms never materialized and the Decembrists formed secret societies where they dreamed of liberty. Two competing ideas for constitutional reform were developing. One in St. Petersburg and the other in the Ukraine. Documents were written explaining the reforms that they wanted implemented. Eventually they decided that when the Tzar died they would revolt.
They figured they would have years or decades to plan. Alexander I was in his mid forties. Then he unexpectedly died in Taganrog. The Decembrist decided to act even though they were not fully prepared. Rabow-Edling describes the revolt in St. Petersburg and the secondary revolt in Ukraine a few weeks later. Then she spends the remainder of the book on the trials and exile of some of the Decembrists.
I would give this book 5 stars for the subject matter but 3 stars for the writing. It seems abrupt at times. A chapter will end when it feels like there is more information to convey. It almost feels like the author was writing to meet a deadline and as a result sacrificed some content to make sure it happened. Overall I give this book 4 stars.
Great literature should do more than entertain us. It should provide a roadmap to improving our lives.
In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens introduced readers to Sydney Carton, one of literature's most compelling and deeply flawed characters. Dickens also gives him an unusual title: the Jackal.
His struggles raise questions that remain relevant today.
Are we defined by our past mistakes? Can we overcome our weaknesses? What separates the people we are from the people we could become?
Lessons From the Jackal is a 25-day character study exploring these questions through Sydney Carton’s life, decisions, relationships, and personal development.
This is not a traditional course on A Tale of Two Cities. Our reading assignments will focus specifically on Carton, with sufficient background provided to understand his story. No previous knowledge of the novel is necessary.
Each day will feature selected readings, historical comparisons, reflection questions, discussions, and practical challenges ...
Following Charles Darnay’s acquittal, Sydney Carton places himself in the darkest shadow, leaning against a wall where he can observe the group gathered around Darnay without being observed himself.
Only after the group has dwindled to two does Carton emerge from the shadows.
Why does Carton avoid the larger group?
Is he uncomfortable with attention? Does he prefer to remain unnoticed? Or is there another explanation for his behavior?
We also know that Carton was the first to recognize the remarkable physical resemblance between himself and Darnay. His observation helped undermine the prosecution’s case, yet Carton makes no effort to reveal his role in the acquittal.
Why might Carton choose not to take credit for his contribution?
Consider these two observations together.
Carton appears to avoid both the attention of others and recognition for his accomplishments.
Does this suggest that Carton is deliberately hiding his potential, or are we drawing conclusions about a man we have only just...
Our reading assignment ends today with Mr. Lorry leaving the Old Bailey and heading back to his job at Tellson’s. Dickens describes the bank as old-fashioned, cramped, and fiercely resistant to change.
Although Tellson’s is fictional, it was likely inspired by Child & Co., which started as a goldsmith business run by Robert Blanchard in 1649. Blanchard’s business was recognized by the sign of a marigold.
Francis Child joined Blanchard in 1665. In 1673 they moved their business to Fleet Street. In 1681 Child inherited the entire business and it became known as Child & Co. By 1780, it had been an established financial institution for generations, serving wealthy families and influential members of British society.
At the time Dickens was writing A Tale of Two Cities Child & Co was headed by Sarah Sophia Fane, which was uncommon in the business world of the 1850s. The business remained at 1 Fleet Street until it closed in 2022. If you are in London you can still walk by the building that ...
