MN90: Robert Alexander’s Russian Trilogy

R.D. Zimmerman’s fascination with Russia took root with an introductory Russian language class at Macalester College in St. Paul. Britt Aamodt examines the transformation of Zimmerman into an author, under the pen name Robert Alexander, and his Russian trilogy, beginning with the 2003 novel The Kitchen Boy.

—–

Producer: Britt AamodtEditorial support: Emily KrumbergerMixing & mastering: Chris Harwood

—–

For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.

instagram.com/ampersradio/

Facebook.com/MN90Ampers

Never miss a beat. Sign up for our email list to receive news, updates and content releases from AMPERS. ampers.org/about-ampers/staytuned/

This show is made possible by community support. Due to cuts in federal funding, the community radio you love is at risk. Your support is needed now more than ever. Donate now to power the community programs you love: ampers.org/fund

Transcript

Welcome to MN90: Minnesota History in 90 Seconds.

In1972, Robert Zimmerman enrolled in a Russian class at Macalester College in St Paul. He didn't finish his degree at Macalester. He did that at Michigan State. But his love of the Russian language and history remained. In 1978, Zimmerman moved to Russia to continue his studies and later to work for the US Information Agency, a job which led to him being followed by the KGB. Eventually, Zimmerman found his way back to Minnesota, where, inspired by his interest in the Romanov dynasty, he sat down to write an historical novel from the viewpoint of the young kitchen boy who, by accident, witnessed the murder of the last Czar and his family in 1918. Zimmerman published The Kitchen Boy in 2003 under the pen name Robert Alexander.

MN90 is produced by AMPERS, diverse radio for Minnesota's communities, made possible by funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Online at MN90.org.