Red Plenty by Francis Spufford is a fascinating blend of history and fiction, exploring a moment when the Soviet Union truly believed it could outshine the West. Set in the late 1950s, during Nikita Khrushchev’s ambitious push for a planned economy, the book captures the excitement of a nation convinced it was on the brink of a utopian future—one where Moscow would surpass Manhattan, and Soviet engineering would rival the world’s best.
Through a mix of real and fictional characters, Red Plenty follows the scientists, economists, and dreamers who worked tirelessly to turn this vision into reality. But as the grand experiment unfolds, cracks appear in the system, revealing the limits of central planning and the stark contrast between ideology and practicality. Spufford masterfully weaves historical fact with imaginative storytelling, creating a compelling narrative that feels both deeply researched and vividly alive.
Perfect for history buffs and lovers of literary fiction, Red Plenty is a brilliant, unconventional look at the hopes and failures of the Soviet dream—both an intellectual adventure and a gripping human story.
