B65-DMC1
Struggle For Freedom
Copyright © by Denise M. Clark, 8/11/02
(www.denisemclark.com)
Was
the Russia we grew up fearing truly a monster in disguise, or a country
struggling through various leaders and methods to find itself? Russian
Experiences: Life in the Former USSR and Post-Soviet Russia [by The
Raven and Marie Claire ISBNs: 1589391772 (paperback), 1589391985 (hardcover)]
is an eye opening discovery of the true Russia. The Russia of the ‘suburbs’;
the Russia of the common worker; the Russia of the struggling family. No
political grandstanding in this book, no. This is a story of its people. It’s
heart and soul.
The
Raven was born into a period of turmoil. The economy was poor, even to the point
of many teetering on the brink of privation. Proper education and training for
many jobs and positions in the medical field was below standard and proper
supplies, not only those needed for basic living, but more important, medical
supplies were sadly lacking as well. No luxuries of supermarkets, shopping
malls, fashion stores and private transportation. Because of a lack of proper
medical facilities and care, The Raven suffered a hearing loss accompanied by a
speech impediment as a young child, thereby forcing him from early childhood to
deal with prejudice because of his handicap. For decades, the Russian ideal of
perfection allowed no compassion for those suffering from physical or emotional
handicaps, almost an ‘Out of sight, out of mind’ mentality. And so, ‘The
Raven’ was practically ignored, existing without really existing in the eyes
of society.
The
Raven grew up in Baku City, the capital of Azerbaijan. His life there was by no
means easy, and compared to standards most Americans take for granted, at or
near what could be considered the poverty level. Because of the conflicts and
recurring strife between native Armenians and Azerbaijan natives, he and his
brother were unable to attend school for long stretches of time.
Ultimately, The Raven and his family left Baku, where they had lived all their lives, to
move to a region around Moscow where The Raven and his family hoped for a better
life, a better opportunity for education and employment. There The Raven
continued his education, yet even on the outskirts of Moscow The Raven struggled
to gain the education he desired, one that would enable him to rise above the
poverty and narrow-mindedness of many of Russia’s inhabitants. Despite an
interrupted education, growing political strife and military tensions, The Raven
pursued his goals and ultimately achieved his degree.
‘Russian
Experiences’ is a wonderful book that tells the story of one man’s rise
above the restrictive and difficult conditions surrounding him. The story is not
only well written from a technical standpoint, but it is also a very personal
saga of the history and transition of one of the mightiest nations in the world
and the consequences felt by its complicated political history. Through the eyes
of ‘The Raven’ and Marie Claire, a reader of this tale begins to understand
there is much behind the façade of Russia, one rarely seen or talked about on
such a personal level. As a result, this book could and should be used as a
primer for one to gain a better understanding of what Russia was and is all
about, a book told through the eyes of one man who fought against prejudice and
poor living conditions to gain an identity he could be proud of.
'Russian Experiences' is an excellent format for anyone to utilize, from
either a social or personal perspective, in order to experience and learn about
Russia's history, culture, and the indomitable spirit of many of its people. In
its presentation of both history and humanity, the authors have managed to cover
a brief though thorough bird’s eye view of how the Russia of today developed;
through the growing pains and uncertainty following of World War Two, through
the difficult and tense years that encompassed the Cold War and finally to the
breakdown of the Soviet Union.
The
co-authors have written a concise, fast reading semi-biographical story in such
a simple and painless writing style as to make pleasurable though serious
reading for any student of political or cultural history. A unique approach, in
employing the anonymity of ‘The Raven’ and his co-writer telling the story,
offers what many might consider an unusual though very effective method to
encourage an understanding of one of the mightiest nations in the world through
the eyes of one of its citizens. Written in a smoothly descriptive style and
utilizing rich though simple language, this book offers something for a wide
range of readers, from High School students to adults.
[This
article may be re-published at no charge, as long as proper credit is given-
contact denisemclark@bolt.com
for permission.]
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