Burden of Dreams

Burden of Dreams: History and Identity in Post-Soviet Ukraine, Volume 1, explores the complex evolution of national identity within a changing landscape. Catherine Wanner examines the daily realities of life in Soviet and post-Soviet Ukraine, investigating how the nation attempts to forge a cohesive identity after decades of Soviet rule. This history text analyzes the tension between Ukrainian nationalism and the legacy of Russification, specifically looking at how various populations navigate these shifting political realities.

The book focuses on the role of schools, festivals, and monuments in reshaping historical narratives. By studying commemorative ceremonies, the author illustrates how Soviet-era stories are recast to support a modern Ukrainocentric perspective. This study of history and nationalism reveals the regional divides and cultural resilience shaped by the former regime. Burden of Dreams: History and Identity in Post-Soviet Ukraine, Volume 1, provides a detailed look at the struggle to build cultural solidarity in a post-Soviet society.