[morphing libertarian]

I had the same experience. One of my problems was long Russian names. I reverted to reviews and it was obvious this was a greta historical work.

[xp38]

Read it when it came out. All 3 volumes. A tough slog but it got easier as you got into the second and third volumes. And yes it was obvious you were reading a monumental work by a giant of literature.

[hanamizu]

One of my problems was long Russian names.

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I did make through all three volumes—a great work IMHO, but I understand your frustration. Not only are Russian names long, but they all come with nicknames that make complete sense to Russians but appear to have no relation to the given name—kind of like Robert=Bob, but it seems like every Russian name/nickname is like that.