MEMOIRS

by Andrei Sakharov ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 1990

A life of scientific cogitation and political dissent is eloquently portrayed here by the late Soviet nuclear physicist, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Educated largely by his father, a teacher and author of science textbooks, Sakharov developed an early passion for scientific experimentation. As an adult, he was soon recruited to work at the Installation, a top-secret atomic research laboratory. He would remain there from 1948 to 1968 as one of the prime designers of the Soviet fusion bomb program. As Sakharov points out, the USSR in the 50's was still immersed in a wartime mentality (as was Sakharov): nuclear deployment was considered a simple matter of survival. It was only later, when Sakharov began to calculate the probable effects of the radiation released by atmospheric nuclear tests, and witnessed his government's nonchalance regarding the thousands of lives likely to he lost to cancer with each explosion, that he found it necessary to speak out in support of a test-ban treaty, thus earning himself a reputation as a dissenter. He was discharged from the Installation and, after the 1969 death of his wife, Klava, devoted himself to a life of conscientious free expression, particularly in regard to nuclear-arms negotiations and to victims of Soviet repression. In 1972, he married Elena Bonnet, who acted as his collaborator and loyal supporter in opposing USSR policy, supporting Amnesty International, embarking on a series of hunger strikes, and enduring exile in Gorky. Though Bonnet's two grown children were forced to leave the USSR, the Sakharovs elected to stay, insisting (naively, according to some) on speaking freely--despite continuous harassment, slander, and ill health--against oppression in their homeland. A fascinating and comprehensive memoir, abrim with humility, humanity, and hard-earned wisdom. Novelist (First Loyalty, 1985) Lourie's translation is superb.

Pub Date: May 1, 1990

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Knopf

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 1990

Categories: NONFICTION