Unironically, Trotsky’s autobiography “My Life” is heavy on personal details and relatively light in theory while also going over the entire Russian Revolution. Obviously he comes from a unique perspective which you might not agree with, but his overall depiction of events leading up to the creation of the USSR is pretty accurate. And Trotsky 100% writes like he is the main character, so it will probably fit your needs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v3YxJpw8KI
I officially call upon the USSR to take better care of their nuclear plants before something goes horribly wrong in one of them.