Firestorm: The Russian Revolution of 1917

Looking back at the Russian Revolution of 1917 one hundred years ago, Bernardsville residents Bill and Monica Oliver and Lebanon resident Elizabeth Guest will lead a discussion on the importance of this history at Bernardsville Public Library on Wednesday, November 8 at 7:00 pm. They will comment on some of the considerable literature available, as well as offer personal insights from their two-week trip to Moscow and St. Petersburg in September.

Ms. Guest, who speaks fluent Russian and has visited the country many times, will present the human side of the story and talk about her family history, specifically the life of her grandfather, Erast Geacintov, a young officer in the Tsar’s army in 1917, who eventually emigrated. A copy of his autobiography, “Notes of a White Officer” is available at the Library.

The Olivers have no family history in Russia, but "feel Russia is a fascinating and mysterious place, culturally, politically and militarily, which not many of our acquaintances have visited." They wanted to know more which led to extensive reading and their trip in September. During the program, Mr. Oliver will set the stage for the events of October 1917, and Mrs. Oliver will talk about three different women who, though born near same time and place, had different views and opinions of the events.

There is no charge to attend the program, but advance sign-up is requested. Register online at www.bernardsvillelibrary.org and follow the link from Adult Programs, or call the library at 908-766-0118 to sign up.