In "The Historian," author Elizabeth Kostova presents an intriguing perspective on the dark nature of historical leaders through the character of Stalin, who openly admired Ivan the Terrible. Both figures are portrayed as ruthless leaders, willing to resort to extreme measures, including violence against their own citizens, to maintain their authority and expand their power base.

The text prompts readers to contemplate the unsettling idea of a world where Stalin, a figure responsible for immense suffering, could have lived indefinitely. This speculation raises questions about the potential consequences of such prolonged power and the impact on history and humanity as a whole.