This is a masterpiece. Over the course of two decades, Alexievich conducts these interviews, and then brings it all together in one of the most compelling nonfiction books I’ve ever read. She transcribes the interviews in such a personal manner it seems as if you’re there in the room. Reminds you that dates don’t matter, who and where don’t matter, but these people’s shared sufferings are what really matter... these stories are the real history. The fact that they all share the same darkness and death and passion; the Soviet soul... Bloody hell. (Quite literally). I’m not sure I’ve ever empathized so much... how the author gives you an understanding of an entire people, over several generations... my mind is spinning. Definitely read this book.