Between Two Millstones, Book 2

In Between Two Millstones, Book 2, Solzhenitsyn explores his life after exile, addressing cultural misunderstandings and his reflections on Russian history.

In Between Two Millstones, Book 2, Nobel laureate Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn reflects on his life in rural Vermont after his exile from the Soviet Union. This period is characterized by a unique blend of freedom and introspection, as he engages in a war of ideas against his detractors while cherishing the time spent with his family. Solzhenitsyn's retreat offers him 'a happiness in free and uninterrupted work,' allowing him to contemplate the broader implications of his experiences and writings.

The narrative captures the emotional turmoil of separation from his Russian homeland and the misunderstandings that arise between him and Western intellectuals. Solzhenitsyn likens his predicament to being a grain caught between two grinding stones: the Soviet propaganda machine and the Western media establishment. This metaphor encapsulates the challenges he faced in articulating his views and defending Russian culture amidst a backdrop of hostility and misrepresentation.

As the story unfolds, Solzhenitsyn recounts various episodes, including his interactions with prominent figures like Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, as well as his reflections on the political climate of the time. He grapples with the artistic challenges of his magnum opus, The Red Wheel, while navigating the complexities of raising his sons in a foreign land. The book culminates in 1994, as he prepares to return to Russia, filled with both hope and apprehension about the future of his homeland and the impact of his literary legacy.