In "Lenin," Victor Sebestyen peels back the layers of one of history's most enigmatic leaders, presenting a nuanced portrait that challenges the monolithic image of Lenin as merely a fervent revolutionary. Through the meticulous unearthing of recently accessible materials, Sebestyen constructs a vivid narrative that brings to light the multifaceted nature of Lenin, a man whose passion for political upheaval coexisted with a profound affinity for nature and a complex personal life deeply intertwined with the women around him. This biography navigates the dichotomy between Lenin the ideologue, whose commitment to revolution reshaped the globe, and Lenin the human, whose emotional landscape was marked by intense relationships, notably with his wife and his long-standing affair with Inessa Armand, casting a new, illuminating light on his legacy. Sebestyen's work transcends traditional biography, offering an enthralling exploration of the personal dynamics and intimate relationships that influenced Lenin and, by extension, the course of modern history. Unflinching in its examination of Lenin's role in creating a state founded on terror, the book nevertheless refrains from one-dimensional critique, presenting a figure capable of both deep affection and ruthless political strategy. Through this balanced and engaging account, "Lenin" emerges not just as a story of political machination, but as a deeply human tale of love, rage, and the quest for power, inviting readers to reconsider the man behind the Soviet state's formation.