Natasha's Dance: A Cultural History of Russia | Orlando Figes

Natasha's Dance: A Cultural History of Russia | Orlando Figes | Portrait of a complex, unique culture

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Natasha's Dance: A...

	Natasha's Dance: A Cultural History of Russia Orlando Figes, 2002 - 544 pages average customer review:based on 42 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Beginning in the eighteenth century with the building of St. Petersburg and culminating with the Soviet regime, Figes examines how writers, artists, and musicians grappled with the idea of Russia itself--its character, spiritual essence, and destiny. Skillfully interweaving the great works--by Dostoevsky, Stravinsky, and Chagall--with folk embroidery, peasant songs, religious icons, and all the customs of daily life, Figes reveals the spirit of "Russianness" as rich and uplifting, complex and contradictory--and more lasting than any Russian ruler or state.

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Like Taking An Excellent College Overview Course

Sure this book didn't include everything that could be said about the cultural history of Russia, but what it said and how it said it was superb. You really get an appreciation for the great themes of intellectual thought. It reminded me of what it was like to take college history classes taught by the best professors on campus, back in the day.

Portrait of a complex, unique culture

You may think you know a fair amount about Russia, but think again: This book will open your eyes to things about that huge, fascinating country that you never even suspected.

Specifically, this gives you a long, deep, vastly detailed picture of Russian culture, from its founding as an amalgam between the original Slavic inhabitants and their conquerors, the Mongols under Genghis Khan; to the first effective uniting of the Russians under Tsar Ivan the Terrible; to Russia's first prolonged contact with the culture of the rest of Europe in the reign of Peter the Great.

Figes shows us how the Russian aristocracy took on European manners and mores in the 18th Century, even to the extent of being more comfortable speaking French than its own language; and how the country's native culture continued to thrive among the serfs, or peasants, the "dark masses" of what would later be called the "proletariat." The schizophrenic nature of Russian society may have helped to produce its volcanic outpouring of world-renowned artistic talent, especially of writers and composers, in the 19th and 20th centuries.

A word of caution: Though this is a towering work, it is not an easy read, unless you are very familiar with Russian names and common terms in the Russian language. But if you persevere through all 586 pages of text, you'll emerge with a vastly increased knowledge and understanding of what the term "Russian culture" is really all about.

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The third side of the Russian coin.

Having lived in Russia six years and still in business there since 1991, I quickly learned that in Russia there is not only the proverbial two sides of the coin, but often three. Figes cetainly examines that underside of what makes a Russian different. He does it with revealing research and obvious affection and respect for those deep characteristics so unique to Russia and it's people. Certainly a scholarly work, but still entertaining, convincing, and a joy to read. As I have heard from Russian readers of my own book, "Why does it always take a foreigner to explain us." Figes is a master at that.

Frederick R. Andresen, Author of "Walking on Ice, An American Businessman in Russia"

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a Slice of History

Bought Natasha's Dance upon recommendation of a friend. Have only just started reading, but I am captivated by the passion and detail of Figes writing and quite looking forward to delving more deeply into this history of the Russian people.

Natasha's Dance

I'm still in the middle of this thick book, and I find it fascinating--but my Russian colleagues tell me is it not altogether trustworthy in its portrayal of Russian history and culture, so I'm looking at it with an eye toward possible problems. That said, it is an eminently readable, fun way to get through a lot of the history of this endlessly fascinating country.

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