#7101

Mentioned in 4 episodes

Secondhand Time

The Last of the Soviets

Book • 2013

Svetlana Alexiévich

In 'Secondhand Time', Svetlana Alexievich brings together dozens of voices to create a mosaic of testimonies about the decline of the USSR.

The book charts the period from 1991 to 2012, covering the Yeltsin and Putin decades, and explores the collective trauma and nostalgia of people who found themselves in a world suddenly alien to them.

It delves into themes of suffering, sacrifice, and the enduring legacy of the Soviet era, presenting a human-centered perspective on historical events without analysis or personal commentary.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 4 episodes

Mentioned by

Tracy Alloway

as one of the best books about Russians experiencing the transition from communism to capitalism.

Vladislav Zubok on What the Cold War Actually Was

Mentioned by

Amitava Kumar

as an example of a writer who excels at capturing the essence of long conversations.

Ep 408: Amitava Kumar Finds His Gulmohar Tree

Mentioned by

Seva Gunitsky

as an example in the book from Don Alexievich about Soviet nostalgia.

Whither Strong? Exploring Conceptions of Russian Power

Mentioned by

Rod Dreher

as a collection of testimonies from ordinary Russians about their experiences with the fall of the Soviet Union.

Interview: Rod Dreher – Live Not by Lies

Mentioned by

Martin Di Caro

while discussing the perspectives of Russians on Gorbachev and the post-Soviet era.

Back in the USSR

Recommended by

Nora Lange

as a currently-reading book, describing it as a 'timeless' and 'fresh' read despite its historical subject matter.

Nora Lange, "Us Fools" (Two Dollar Radio, 2024)

Mentioned by

Bruce Shapiro

as an example of journalism that uses oral history to excavate censored pasts.

If it bleeds it leads – Bruce Shapiro on documenting the violence of modern life

Mentioned by

Rod Dreher

as an incredible book about the collapse of the Soviet Union and how ordinary people experienced it.

s07e63 | How Liberals AND Conservatives Fail Young Men, with Rod Dreher & Dave Greene

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