The 900 Days

The 900 Days chronicles the World War II siege of Leningrad by German forces from 1941-1944. Through research and firsthand accounts, historian Harrison Salisbury reconstructs the daily reality of a city under complete blockade. The narrative follows both military leaders and ordinary citizens as they face extreme privation and constant bombardment. Salisbury documents the transformation of Leningrad from a cultural capital into a fortress city where survival became the only priority. Soviet records, German military documents, and interviews with survivors form the foundation of this comprehensive historical account. The book moves between strategic military decisions at the highest levels and intimate portraits of citizens enduring unimaginable circumstances. This epic story of human perseverance reveals universal truths about the limits of endurance and the depth of sacrifice in wartime. The siege of Leningrad stands as a testament to both the destructive power of modern warfare and the resilience of the human spirit.

Readers praise Salisbury's detailed research and use of survivor interviews to document the human experience of the Siege of Leningrad. Many note his ability to balance military history with personal accounts of citizens' suffering and resilience. Readers appreciate the inclusion of Soviet political dynamics and internal power struggles that impacted the siege. Multiple reviews highlight the passages about food rationing and civilian survival strategies. Common criticisms include: - Dense military details that slow the narrative - Jumps between different time periods can be confusing - Some sections focus too heavily on Communist Party politics - Limited coverage of the German perspective Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (280+ ratings) A frequent comment from readers is that the book requires commitment due to its length and level of detail. One reviewer noted: "Not a quick read, but rewards patient readers with an intimate understanding of this tragic siege."

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🔹 Author Harrison Salisbury was one of the first Western journalists allowed into Leningrad after the siege ended, giving him unique access to survivors and fresh accounts while researching the book. 🔹 During the 900-day siege, Leningrad's population resorted to eating wallpaper paste (which contained edible potato starch) and leather belts to survive, details vividly documented in the book through firsthand accounts. 🔹 The book reveals that Soviet authorities initially refused to evacuate civilians from Leningrad, believing the siege would be brief—a miscalculation that cost countless lives. 🔹 The research for "The 900 Days" took over a decade to complete and involved interviewing hundreds of survivors, accessing newly declassified documents, and examining personal diaries. 🔹 Despite being published in 1969, the book was banned in the Soviet Union until 1988 because it challenged the official Soviet narrative of the siege by exposing leadership failures and covering up casualties.