Introduction

The publication of Anne Applebaum's book, 'Red Famine: Stalin’s War on Ukraine,' has provoked intense debate among historians and readers alike, particularly regarding its historical accuracy and readability. This critique aims to evaluate the book critically, examining its claims and the methodologies used in its composition.

Background and Overview

'Red Famine' delves into the 1932-33 famine in the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (UkrSSR), purportedly revealing a deliberate policy by the Soviet government to starve the Ukrainian nation, leading to its extermination. The book is divided into several sections, including a historical background, the civil war in Ukraine, the New Economic Policy (NEP), collectivization, events leading to the famine, the famine itself, and its aftermath.

Historical Accuracy and Omissions

Mark Tauger, a history professor at West Virginia University, reviews the book and points out several critical issues. Tauger argues that the book is not merely a reflection of academic rigor but rather a 'waste paper,' as it lacks historical accuracy and scientific integrity.

Omissions and Distortions

One of the significant criticisms levied against the book is its translation errors. For example, Applebaum mistranslates the Ukrainian word 'Holodomor' from its true meaning of 'plague' to 'extermination.' This incorrect translation undermines the credibility of her research and presentation. Tauger notes that this distortion amplifies the book's intent to mislead the public by attributing a fraudulent meaning to the term.

Hidden References and Context

Applebaum's book also lacks a comprehensive reference to the magazine list of the UkrSSR. This list, which includes over 100 titles in Ukrainian, suggests a significant investment in the nation that is supposedly being exterminated. This omission raises questions about the authenticity of Applebaum's claims and her accurate portrayal of the historical context.

Academic Integrity and Ethical Concerns

Academics and scholars have a responsibility to ensure that their works are based on factual evidence and not on misleading narratives. Hence, this review aims to highlight the critical aspects of 'Red Famine' that need further scrutiny.

Impact on Historical Scholarship

Referring to the American historian Peter Charles Hoffer's work, 'Past Imperfect,' it is argued that in historical scholarship, falsification, plagiarism, and fabrication are devastating types of fraud. Hoffer emphasizes that these types of fraud undermine scholarly authority and challenge the profession's ability and willingness to police itself. Applebaum's work in 'Red Famine' fails to meet these ethical standards and risks perpetuating a flawed narrative.

Conclusion

Based on the review of 'Red Famine' and the critical points raised by Tauger and Hoffer, it is imperative for readers and scholars to approach this book with caution. The historical significance and the potential impact of this work on our understanding of Ukrainian history necessitate a thorough and critical analysis of its claims and methodologies.