Former People summary

From Prosperity to Peril

In Former People, Douglas Smith takes us on a journey through the lives of two prominent Russian noble families, the Sheremetevs and the Golitsyns, from their opulent lives in pre-revolutionary Russia to their harrowing experiences during and after the Bolshevik Revolution. These families were part of the elite, the aristocracy, referred to as the dvoryanstvo, who were referred to as the 'former people' after the revolution, as their status and way of life was abolished.

Smith begins by describing the lavish lifestyles of the Sheremetevs and the Golitsyns. We learn about their grand estates, their vast wealth, and their significant contributions to Russian society, including their patronage of the arts. The author then provides a vivid account of the chaos and violence that erupted during the revolution, leading to the fall of the Romanov dynasty and the rise of Bolshevik power.

The Revolution and Its Aftermath

As the revolution unfolds, the lives of the Sheremetevs and the Golitsyns are turned upside down. Their estates are seized, their wealth confiscated, and their family members are imprisoned, exiled, or executed. Smith details the brutal realities of their new existence, marked by persecution, hunger, and constant fear. Despite these challenges, some of the 'former people' attempt to adapt to the new Soviet reality, while others refuse to compromise their principles and suffer the consequences.

Smith's narrative also explores the complicated relationship between the Bolsheviks and the aristocracy. While the Bolsheviks aimed to eliminate the old ruling class, they also recognized the need for experienced administrators, leading to a complex system of collaboration and coercion. However, as the revolution solidifies into Stalin's regime, the fate of the 'former people' becomes increasingly grim.

The Great Terror and Beyond

With the onset of Stalin's Great Terror in the 1930s, the situation for the Sheremetevs and the Golitsyns deteriorates further. Many of their family members are accused of treason or sabotage and are either executed or sent to labor camps. The author paints a chilling picture of the arbitrary and ruthless nature of Stalin's purges, which spared no one, regardless of their former status or loyalty.

As World War II unfolds, some of the 'former people' see an opportunity to redeem themselves in the eyes of the Soviet government by demonstrating their patriotism. However, their efforts are often met with suspicion and further persecution. Smith depicts the post-war years as a time of continued hardship and disillusionment for the surviving members of the Sheremetev and Golitsyn families.

The Legacy of the 'Former People'

In the final section of Former People, Smith reflects on the enduring legacy of the Russian aristocracy. He argues that despite their tragic fate, the 'former people' left an indelible mark on Russian culture and society. Their patronage of the arts, intellectual contributions, and dedication to public service shaped the country in profound ways, even if their physical presence was erased.

Smith's poignant and meticulously researched narrative offers a compelling exploration of the human cost of political upheaval and the resilience of the human spirit. Former People serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of history and the enduring impact of revolution on individual lives.