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Bastard Republic: Encounters Along the Tattered Edge of Fallen Empire
Bastard Republic: Encounters Along the Tattered Edge of Fallen Empire | Tyrone Shaw
3 posts | 2 read | 4 to read
In the best traditions of literary journalism, Bastard Republic takes us inside two of the defining developments of the 20th century--the collapse of communism in Europe and the implosion of the Soviet Union. Through a compelling mix of memoir, reportage, history and travel writing, this collection of immersion essays accomplishes what facts alone cannot by drawing us into the lives of people propelled towards a future of sudden, rough transformation. Shaw probes recent history through their voices as they struggle for identity and equilibrium amidst revolution and massive social upheaval. Their echoes linger long after the last page of this book is turned.
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In this fascinating, slim book, journalist Shaw explores how #Moldova, the poorest country in Europe, has struggle to find its footing since the breakup of the Soviet Union. It even includes an area the Russians consider their protectorate and a separate country, but which no one else recognizes. There‘s a bit about Romania here, too. I feel like a learned a ton. Highly recommend.

#ReadingEurope2020

squirrelbrain Sounds fascinating! You must be nearly finished with #readingeurope2020? 3y
BarbaraBB Oh this sounds good. Unfortunately I just bought another one for Moldova. 3y
Hooked_on_books @squirrelbrain I just finished Belarus as well, so 5 to go! My goal was roughly 4 books a month for the challenge, so I‘m right on target. 3y
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Suet624 That‘s strange....I wrote a very enthusiastic review of this book several years ago on Litsy and now it‘s gone. This is a local writer, a professor at a local college. I learned so much and really appreciated it. I‘m so glad you read it. 3y
Hooked_on_books @BarbaraBB That one sounds good, too. I suspect they‘d complement one another well. I would have liked for this one to include women‘s issues and it didn‘t, so that‘s a plus for your pick. 3y
Hooked_on_books @Suet624 I think he did a beautiful job with the book. I wonder if I came across it from your review. Very possible! 3y
squirrelbrain Great progress - and perfectly on target as well! 3y
Librarybelle Stacking! 3y
Suet624 I just went through 3 years of Litsy posts and found my posts about this book. I don‘t believe the book was in the database at the time so it was listed as “untitled”. I just fixed it. Now at least folks can see reviews from two people who liked the book! 3y
Hooked_on_books @Suet624 That‘s some good sleuthing! It must have been driving you crazy. I totally understand. 😉 3y
Suet624 It totally was driving me crazy. You get me!! 😂😂 3y
42 likes5 stack adds11 comments
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Suet624
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Bastard Republic by Tyrone Shaw. A Vermont professor, taking part in Project Harmony in 1998, met with Moldovan lawyers and police officials visiting Vermont. This provided him the opportunity to travel Romania and Moldova during some extraordinary and difficult times. This short book of essays covering almost 20 years offers a fascinating and depressing look at the Soviet govt. and efforts to be independent. Russia is not to be messed with.

saresmoore Have I mentioned lately that you're one of my very favorite humans? 7y
Ericmanciniwriter Hey, I'm vacationing in your state soon! 7y
Suet624 @saresmoore Umm..that was a surprise! No. I don't think you have. 😂😂😂😂 should I ask what inspired that comment? 7y
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Suet624 @Eamann You mentioned that previously. When and where???? How do we meet up?? (edited) 7y
Ericmanciniwriter Burlington June 22-29, maybe we can work a meeting into a daytrip in your area. Any good book stuff near you?? 7y
Suet624 @Eamann I could meet you in Burlington where there are great local bookstores or there are several sweet bookstores near me in Johnson and Hardwick. I'm an hour from Burlington. 7y
Ericmanciniwriter Great ideas- email me at ea@eamannwriter.com and we can start talking details. We need to post some pics of New England scenery that will really make @saresmoore jealous 7y
saresmoore @Eamann Yessss! 7y
Suet624 @saresmoore Well, as you can imagine, I just sent a long email to @Eamann. I don't think I know how to write short emails. 7y
47 likes9 comments
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Suet624
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After reading an emotionally devastating book about war in Chechnya and a 2nd book about World War 1, I wasn't sure I was up for this. However, the author, a local professor and an eyewitness, is coming to the local library and I wanted to be able to ask him questions. It's about the collapse of communism in Europe and the implosion of the Soviet Union. Sudden, rough transformations. The first essay on Romania was engrossing. On to Transylvania.

saresmoore WANT! To read this! 7y
tpixie That will be a great author event. 📚❤️📚 7y
Suet624 @tpixie I can't wait. I have so many questions! This book is fascinating. 7y
tpixie 🎉👏🏻🎉👏🏻 7y
53 likes4 comments