A Revolution Of Their Own: Voices Of Women In Soviet History

A very well-presented portrait of not just women, but of Soviet/Russian history. This book reminded me somewhat of James Baldwin in an off-hand way in that the stories of average people are sometimes more compelling than those who usually find themselves in the history books. This is a great addendum to any history teacher's library.

Barbara Engel is one of my professors at the University of Colorado, so I might be somewhat biased in my opinion of her book. This collection of stories provides long overdue insight into the lives of the overlooked citizens of Russia and the Soviet regime: the women. Each life story is fabulously written, exceedingly interesting, and allows students to better understand this most complicated area of the world. I don't think I have ever liked a book that was required reading for a class as much as this one. Not only is Professor Engel an excellent writer, she is a wonderful teacher as well. I feel privileged to be in her class.