Overview

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.

Full Product Details

9780578556758

Table of Contents

Reviews

In his deeply satisfying Bastard Republic, Tyrone Shaw discovers a new world within our own, entire countries that seem to have slipped off the geopolitical map and into the deep crevasse of post-Soviet fallout. He plunges us into this obscure region with a vitality and verve that awakens us to its struggles and its improbable, bursting humanity. Again and again Shaw's sharp-eyed prose conveys the rich complexity, the mystery, and-especially now-the relevance of this region at the brink. Jacob White, author of Being Dead in South Carolina. Bastard Republic is a thrilling ride. It had me in its clutches from the first page, and didn't let go until the last. Here is literary journalism of the highest order, informative, compelling, and utterly readable. Masterfully combing historical events, personal narrative, and the keenly-observed changing political climate of post-Soviet era Eastern Europe, this book is a marvel. Jensen Beach, author of Swallowed by the Cold Tyrone Shaw's Bastard Republic is a raconteur's blend of reportage and cultural anthropology. This is not a breezy, drive-through travelogue. Shaw knows his territory intimately. Through richly textured scenes and brilliant exposition, he brings alive the painful contradictions that define this troubled and troubling eastern flank of Europe. Tony Whedon, author of A Language Dark Enough

"""In his deeply satisfying Bastard Republic, Tyrone Shaw discovers a new world within our own, entire countries that seem to have slipped off the geopolitical map and into the deep crevasse of post-Soviet fallout. He plunges us into this obscure region with a vitality and verve that awakens us to its struggles and its improbable, bursting humanity. Again and again Shaw's sharp-eyed prose conveys the rich complexity, the mystery, and-especially now-the relevance of this region at the brink."" Jacob White, author of Being Dead in South Carolina. ""Bastard Republic is a thrilling ride. It had me in its clutches from the first page, and didn't let go until the last. Here is literary journalism of the highest order, informative, compelling, and utterly readable. Masterfully combing historical events, personal narrative, and the keenly-observed changing political climate of post-Soviet era Eastern Europe, this book is a marvel."" Jensen Beach, author of Swallowed by the Cold ""Tyrone Shaw's Bastard Republic is a raconteur's blend of reportage and cultural anthropology. This is not a breezy, drive-through travelogue. Shaw knows his territory intimately. Through richly textured scenes and brilliant exposition, he brings alive the painful contradictions that define this troubled and troubling eastern flank of Europe."" Tony Whedon, author of A Language Dark Enough"

Author Information

Tyrone Shaw is a professor of Writing, Literature and Journalism at Northern Vermont University in Johnson, Vermont. He has also taught in Romania, Moldova, Serbia, and Latvia, sometimes as a Fulbright Specialist.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available