“This is a slim book, but ­Szalay packs it with skilfully condensed detail — the privileges of the nomenklatura, the dire existence of the unprivileged living­ in ­communes, background history and passing contemporary events such as the Fischer-Spassky chess match in 1972 and the Munich Olympic Games. Still in his mid-thirties, Szalay will surely soon be adding more prizes to his Betty Trask.” Sunday Times

“Szalay's… knowledge of the period is formidable… he twists both the politics and the human drama into an intelligent, commanding shape that draws us irresistibly on.” Independent ****

“With Aleksandr, David Szalay, winner of the Betty Trask Prize 2008 for his debut London and the South-East, has created an extraordinary character, a KGB man you can imagine knowing or even being…This is an exciting and memorable read. Expertly researched, it feels authentic, but wears its learning reassuringly lightly. Anyone who appreciated Martin Amis's Koba the Dread and Orlando Figes's The Whisperers will love it, as will fans of The Lives of Others or Burnt by the Sun. As with both films, the theme of silent, regret-filled horror is beautifully, chillingly captured.” Viv Groskop, Observer