I wasn't aware of a Twitter account that featured different photographs from the soviet times. The copy made available by the publisher for early review gives only brief glimpses of the content. I understand that the final book contains 176 pages.

There's some amusing images. One with children standing in the dark in front of UV light reminded me of my own past of having grown up during the fall of the USSR and having to do the same. There's a brief description of each image. As a reader, I would have liked to have been provided with some additional context or the memory of a person who found/kept this image.

If you're already familiar with the Instagram account of the same name, then this is a more convenient print version of that! A compilation of photos and propaganda posters from the former Soviet Union. Cue macho men proving their manliness by diving into frozen lakes / forging metals shirtless / dressed in military uniforms and women raising children and doing gymnastics. Interspersed with the photos and old Soviet Era posters celebrating advances in science and technology, promoting healthy living, and highlighting the power of industry and the might of the military.
It's a fascinating look at life behind the former Iron Curtain, harking back to the bygone era of communism. A great addition to any coffee table.

This is a fascinating look back at the weird and wonderful aspects of the now dead Soviet Union, from adverts to anecdotes, amusing photographs to very strange fashions and foods, this is a book steeped in the culture of the USSR and that is rich in nostalgia.

A funny little look at some of the weird and wonderful things the Soviet had to offer. I really enjoyed looking through the pictures and reading the quotes. I think it is a real conversation starter, there’s a lot of “ they really did that?” And “they really believed that?” kind of questions to be asked. I will be sure to take a look at the website too as I was not familiar with it until I saw this book, I might even treat myself to that delicious soviet breakfast of sausage with porridge while I do! Eeww!

This is great, full of fascinating pictures and reminders of a culture that's disappeared. As others have said, however, this was only a sample and it would have lovely to have been able to see and read much more.

Soviet Visuals is one of my favourite Instagram Accounts, so when I came across Bortsova's book I was more than excited. I am definitely looking forward to reading the full book, as the sampler provided through Netgalley seems absolutely inviting.

I couldn’t help but smile at the quote from ’Soviet Visuals’, that “gaiety is the most outstanding feature of the soviet union”, when it seems that so many of the faces are resolutely unsmiling. What’s even weirder is that this quote came from none other than Stalin.

Perhaps this is because i’m a westerner, but I think I was expecting it to be a bit weirder in some places. there are definite bits of weirdness - children standing in swimwear getting UV, babies being thrown up in the air.

I do wish it had included more illustrations. I particularly loved the image of two horses charging through the night sky, one with cosmonauts riding, the other with astronauts, each with their respective flags, fire at their hooves.

It is unfortunate that this is in digital form, as would probably work better as a physical book. Like a lot of art books, they rely very much on their tactile qualities. Even so, I could certainly imagine this working well as a physical book.

Overall, this book was fun! An intriguing peek into a peculiar and bygone world.

I just love all that has to do with the USSR/Russia, there have been some weird things coming out of the time the USSR/Soviet Union was around. Posters, items, and more. So I had to have this book featuring photographs and posters.
But this ultimately falls short. This is just a sampler? Why is this not mentioned anywhere on Netgalley? If I had known this was a sampler... I wouldn't have read it at all. This is so disappointing. I was looking forward to a book and I get just 34 pages.. Well, that just ruined my mood. The book itself looks good though, a bit blurry/grainy at times, but in overall, I would like to read the full book. Netgalley, maybe post that this is a sampler somewhere?
2 stars because it looks interesting, -3 stars for the fact this is just a fucking sampler.

I won't be posting a review anywhere as I am not posting reviews for samplers/preview stuff.

I only got to see a sample of the book, but what I saw I thought was excellent and I really enjoyed getting to go back in time to the might of the Soviet Union. The adverts and things chosen were great and I will now definitely be checking out the social media channels now for the author to follow too – it is 5 stars from me for this one – very highly recommended!