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.

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9780692826690

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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 Why is the individual perspective so compelling, and even necessary, when deconstructing world history? Because how else to know the human, personal consequences when superpowers run roughshod over the people they control? Shaw, as a journalist, does more than merely cover the tragic history of Moldova. His personal narrative intersects with global events of epic proportions. This stunning and important book is a lesson in world history as well as a tale about what happens to the human heart when it struggles against power run amok. Sue William Silverman, author, The Pat Boone Fan Club: My Life as a White Anglo-Saxon Jew

Author Information

Tyrone Shaw is an associate professor of writing and literature at Johnson State College in Johnson, Vermont, where he directs the Communications and Community Media program. He received an MFA in creative nonfiction from Vermont College and has taught overseas in Romania, Serbia, Moldova and Latvia, sometimes as a Fulbright Specialist. His work has appeared in journals such as Saranac Review, Green Mountains Review, Alimentum, and The Truth About the Fact. Shaw lives in Bakersfield, Vermont, with his wife Nancy.

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