In The Delegation, author Avner Landes delves into the complex, often tragic lives of two Soviet Jewish artists—Solomon Mikhoels, a world-renowned actor, and Itzik Feffer, a poet who became a government functionary. Set in Moscow in 1943, this novel weaves a tale of espionage, art, politics, and personal struggle during the harrowing days of World War II.
The backdrop is a crucial period for the Soviet Union, with the Nazis’ defeat at Stalingrad signaling a shift in the war’s momentum. To rally international support, Stalin sends Mikhoels and Feffer on a diplomatic mission around the world, where they engage with prominent figures and intellectuals. The story transports readers across diverse landscapes—from the pyramids of Egypt to New York’s Polo Grounds, and into the fascinating world of eccentric characters like a wealthy lawyer-turned-artist, a tongueless heiress, and Albert Einstein. Each interaction, while politically charged, also reveals the personal complexities and foreshadows the tragic fates of the characters.
Through Mikhoels’s boldness and Feffer’s quiet introspection, the novel explores the tension between personal revolution and political duty. Mikhoels, as a garrulous entertainer, is driven by a desire to inspire and stir the crowds, while Feffer, a once-idealistic poet, finds himself reflecting on the erosion of his youthful zeal. Their journey reveals the heavy emotional and moral cost of maintaining a facade for the state. Both men are eventually tragically murdered—real historical events that cast a shadow over their endeavors and betray the betrayal of their loyalty to the Soviet cause.
The novel is framed by a contemporary narrative following Izzy Shenkenberg, a writer whose research into Mikhoels and Feffer’s doomed mission forces him to confront his own identity crisis as a ghostwriter. As Shenkenberg digs deeper into the tragic history of these forgotten figures, he too faces a struggle with his own purpose, ultimately contemplating what it means to tell a story that is both personal and historically significant.
The Delegation is an intricately layered novel that blends historical fiction, political intrigue, and human complexity. It paints a vivid portrait of the struggles of Soviet Jews during World War II while weaving in themes of artistic integrity, political loyalty, and personal sacrifice. Both the historical and fictional elements are skillfully handled, drawing readers into a narrative of identity, history, and loss that lingers long after the final page.
Written by Jeyran Main
“Explore more reviews and find your next great read!”
“Want your book featured in our magazine? Feature an editorial book review in our Book Review Magazine or submit an article in our Book Article Magazine.”
“What are your thoughts on this book? Share your opinions in the comments below!”
Discover more from Review Tales
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
