Russia and Revolution: My Father, The Officer, The Man
A True Story of Russia and Revolution
What happened to the sons and daughters who fled Russia after the Civil War? Russia and Revolution: My Father, The Officer, The Man is the memoir of Boris Labzin. Boris is a White Russian Naval Officer. He is propelled to the forefront of the Russian Revolution. Like many who opposed Bolshevism, Boris becomes a Russian emigre and is forced to make a life far from home.
Upon graduation from the prestigious St Petersburg Naval Academy, Boris Labzin is thrown into the chaos of the Civil War. He swears allegiance to Tsar Nicholas II along with many of his fellow officers. He becomes part of the White Army. Boris endures the fierce fighting in his homeland, which spans four years. Finally, in 1922 he sails into exile with the last of the White Russian forces. But Boris’ voyage is only just beginning.
A historical biography about a Russian emigre, about war, about displacement, and a family’s long journey home.
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A Different Sort of Revolutionary Road.
White Russian Emigre in Asia
From fighting on armoured trains in Siberia, Boris endures the heat and forests of the Philippines. Following that, he starts a new life as a master mariner in Shanghai. This is one of the few stories written about the many White Russian emigres in Shanghai during the 1930s.
Conflict in the decolonization of Indonesia and the Battle of Surabaya
His journey then takes Boris to Surabaya. Here, he finds himself caught up in the chaotic events of WWII. Then following the end of the war, Indonesian people rally for independence. More conflict ensues during the Dutch-Indonesian War including the Battle of Surabaya.
Finally, his long journey moves into a new but challenging phase of life in Australia. Boris’ Russian emigre story is intertwined with the under-appreciated recent history of Australia’s neighbouring countries. It still resonates today in the climate of war and refugees across the world.
Book Reviews of Russia & Revolution: My Father, The Officer, The Man
“A different sort of revolutionary road.”
Darryl Dymock
“I have just finished reading your book and wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it and how fascinating the story of your parents (and yourself) was. Your parents’ lives spanned so many world-shaping events of the twentieth century and it was so interesting to see how they lived through them and did not become overwhelmed by them.”
Cheryl Dymock
“Very well written, so interesting and informative for those of us not overly familiar with Russian history…. thank you. This would be a good book for biographical studies in high school, especially in Queensland. I appreciate the scholarship that has gone into the research of this book.”
Paul Saxby
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Researching Boris Labzin
This is Boris’ personal story of Russia and Revolution. Beginning as a White Officer, then as a Russian émigré. It is based on many conversations between father and son. It is also verified with research in the archives of the Russian Navy in St Petersburg. Further information was also provided by other Russian historians. Their research uncovered information at the archives of the Russian Federal Archive in Moscow.
Book Launches
Prince Galitzine Memorial Library in St Petersburg in November 2015:
Going back to where it all began in St Petersburg. Igor Labzin launches Russia and Revolution: My Father, The Officer, The Man in the stately Prince Galitzine Library. The library specialises in the writings of Russian emigres.
The director of the library, Dr Elena Konyukhova noted in her opening address:
“Two years ago when I was introduced to Igor I had never heard of the name Labzin, but now I see it everywhere in literature, history, art and museums.”
Ideology in Brisbane in October 2015:
Avid Reader in Brisbane December 2015:
