How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
This was old Russia: communities built around bucket wells and ancient myths, where the health of cattle was decided by the grace of the Dvorovoi, the yard spirit. (2.6.17)
This is quite different from Moscow. In Moscow, everyone buys into Soviet propaganda—and if not, they've gotten really good at acting like it. Out in the country, however, the old traditions of Russia are alive and well. It's going to take a lot more than a few MGB agents to take down this proud culture.
Quote #2
Leo grew up in the city and [...] was baffled as to how their country's ideological revolution had done little to dislodge this primitive folklore. (2.6.17)
In contrast, Leo is a true city boy. Like his urban neighbors, Leo is convinced that the rise of the Soviet Union will lead to a utopia—after he and his comrades take care of some nasty business, of course. Coming from this background, he's unable at first to fully understand life on the countryside.
Quote #3
The doctor marveled at this modern design, home to thousands of families. This wasn't just a housing project. It was a monument to a new era. (2.8.1)
The industrialization of Russia plays a significant role in Child 44. Depending on your perspective, this image is either awesome or awful, evidence either of the wonder of technology or the horror of conformity. We certainly know where the doctor stands on this one.
Quote #4
Love itself was a political lesson. There was no more important love than the Leader's Love, and consequently, one's Love for the Leader. (2.10.1)
Soviet political propaganda is almost religious in nature. Stalin isn't just a great leader; he's the greatest leader. He doesn't just care about his citizens; he loves them. Next thing you know, they're going to start saying that he wrestles bears, or something crazy like that.
Quote #5
It was as though a god [...] smashed his fist down on the landscape before him [...] and demanded that this newly created space be filled with chimneys and steel presses. (3.17.11)
Or it could have been a big bulldozer or something—we don't know. This is another example of religious imagery seeping into Leo's conception of Russia, his patriotic passion bordering on a zealous fervor. He might think that he's touching God, but it's more like he's dancing with the devil.
Quote #6
The removal of key Jewish figures within influential spheres was to be followed by a wider purge, targeting any Jewish citizens. (3.21.27)
Here's another example of the dark side of Soviet ideology. Of course, this only ends up hurting the U.S.S.R. in the end, depriving it of highly trained doctors and professionals. What's more, there's a chance that this purge led to Stalin's death at the hands of less-trained doctors.
Quote #7
She'd found the children less politically savvy than students in Moscow [...] and generally they seemed much more like children. (3.22.2)
Once again, we see a marked difference between urban and rural life. In the city, everyone is too frightened of being arrested to let their guard down, even for a moment. In the country, however, people have some freedom to live their lives as they please. It's not much, but it's all they've got right now.
Quote #8
No place was layered in more levels of protection than Moscow. They were attempting to sneak into the most heavily policed city in the country. (4.33.6)
Yikes—that's enough to make James Bond think twice. Moscow is the heart of the Soviet Union, its seat of power. If Leo is going to pull a Frodo Baggins and sneak into the land of darkness, he's going to need to find a way to fit in.
Quote #9
"You've lost faith in the people of this country because you've been surrounded by the people in power. The State doesn't represent these villages." (4.50.23)
Raisa, we couldn't have said it better ourselves. Leo has spent most of his adult life living in a bubble, detached from the everyday lives of his fellow Russians. It seems silly, but he thinks that they're ignorant of what goes on within the government. Trust us, buddy—they know plenty well.
Quote #10
No one needed any convincing as to the urgency of the objective and no one had any difficulty believing that the militia had proved useless in dealing with the killer. (4.53.1)
See what we mean, Leo? These people know that their government has been failing them for some time now—they'd have to be denser than a brick wall to miss out on that. Instead, the people are simply waiting for someone to stand up, to demand a change. They're waiting for someone like Leo.