Blood Red, Snow White
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Founder | Marcus Sedgwick |
| Products | Historical fiction book |
Blood Red, Snow White is a historical fiction work authored by Marcus Sedgwick and released in 2007. Set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution, it dramatizes the experiences of writer Arthur Ransome during his time in Russia. The novel earned a place on the shortlist for the 2007 Costa Children's Book Award.
Plot introduction
The story delves into the causes and unfolding of the Russian Revolution through the eyes of Arthur Ransome, who was working as a journalist in Russia at that time. Throughout the narrative, he encounters prominent Bolsheviks and develops a romantic relationship with Evgenia, Trotsky’s secretary, who later becomes his second spouse. Simultaneously, Ransome interacts with British governmental figures, leading to internal conflicts regarding his allegiances.
Plot summary
The narrative is structured into three distinct sections. The opening segment, titled "A Russian Fairy Tale," captures the essence of Ransome’s Old Peter's Russian Tales by portraying a fairy-tale-like interpretation of the revolution’s beginnings, featuring emblematic characters such as the impoverished woodcutter, the royal family, Rasputin, among others.
The middle section, "One Night in Moscow," presents events from Ransome’s outsider viewpoint. Initially arriving in Russia to gather folk stories, he remains during World War I as a correspondent for The Daily News. Amidst revolutionary upheaval, he grapples with conflicting loyalties between Bolshevik ideals and British interests. During this period, he falls for Evgenia and contemplates assisting his friend Robert Lockhart at the British Embassy. Ultimately, he decides against involvement and departs Moscow for Stockholm.
In the concluding part, "A Fairy Tale, Ending," narrated in first person, Ransome becomes subject to suspicion over alleged Bolshevik sympathies amid the Red Terror. He redeems himself by facilitating Lockhart’s release from the Kremlin. After settling with Evgenia in Stockholm, he returns with her to Russia and assumes the role of agent S76 for the SIS. Lenin dismisses Trotsky’s concerns about Ransome’s potential espionage.
During a short stay in England, Ransome faces challenges including interrogation by authorities and losing his position at the Daily News. Following months without journalistic employment during the Russian Civil War, he takes a risk by returning to Russia as the White Army advances against Bolshevik forces. He successfully escorts Evgenia westward, prioritizing her safety above all.
Allusions to actual history
The novel adheres closely to historical events spanning from Bloody Sunday 1905 through November 1919. It incorporates elements suggesting Ransome’s possible spy activities and draws upon Secret Service files made public by the National Archives in 2005. Key historical personalities such as Rasputin, Vladimir Lenin, Lev Trotsky, alongside agents Robert Lockhart and Sidney Reilly, appear throughout. Additionally, it features writer Arthur Ransome and his future wife Evgenia Shelepina.
Reception
Blood Red, Snow White garnered positive acclaim from leading British newspapers and was recognized as a finalist for the 2007 Costa Children's Book Award.
Publication history
The initial hardcover edition, released in August 2007 by Orion Children's Books, was distinguished by the use of dark red ink throughout the text. This was succeeded by a paperback version in May 2008, while an audio CD adaptation was made available earlier, in March 2008, through Oakhill Publishing Limited.
External links
- Review by Juliette Saumande featured on The Squeaky Door