A distinctive writer’s fascinating journey into the heart of a troubled region.Ukraine has rebuilt itself over and over again in the last century; plagued by the same conflicts: corruption; poverty; substance abuse; ethnic clashes; and Russian aggression. Sophie Pinkham saw all this and more in the course of ten years working; traveling; and reporting in Ukraine and Russia; over a period that included the Maidan revolution of 2013–14; Russia’s annexation of Crimea; and the ensuing war in eastern Ukraine.With a keen eye for the dark absurdities of post-Soviet society; Pinkham presents a dynamic account of contemporary Ukrainian life. She meets―among others―a charismatic doctor helping to smooth the transition to democracy even as he struggles with his own drug addiction; a Bolano-esque art gallerist prone to public nudity; and a Russian Jewish clarinetist agitating for Ukrainian liberation. These fascinating personalities; rendered in a bold; original style; deliver an indelible impression of a country on the brink.Black Square is necessary reading for anyone who wishes to learn not only the political roots of the current conflict in Ukraine but also the personal stories of the people who live it every day. 2 maps
#17391 in Books Bauer; S. Wise 2007-03-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.60 x 1.80 x 6.50l; 2.68 #File Name: 039305974X896 pagesW W Norton Company
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excelent ancient history summaryBy CustomerGreat summary of the ancient world. It refreshed my memory very well. The history is presented in the three main areas of the world; Asia menor-Europe; China; and India; in paralel time lines explaining the evolution of the civilization. The author tells us which were the most important and impacting events and the main characters involved in them.I'm now in the middle of the second volume; the Middle Age. I recommend the first one2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. This is a wonderful account of the evolution of Rome !By E. HoldenI gave this book to my son for Christmas. He is reading it with delight as it brings him back to the days that we lived in Rome. It is a detailed account of the city; and anyone who is interested in the history of the city will enjoy reading it.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Great for 9th gradeBy Mark A. SchuldtI teach with this text and it is superior to any other 9th grade ancient history textbook by a significant margin.
