DACHA. RUSSIAN SURVIVAL STRATEGY IRENA MOSTOWICZ

Irena Mostowicz's book is a fascinating analysis of the dacha phenomenon in the context of Russian mentality and history. The author joins the discussion about the social condition of Russians, proposing an unexpected thesis: the dacha, a suburban house with a garden, is the key to understanding the specifics of Russian society. From Tsarist Russia, through the Soviet Union, to contemporary capitalism, the dacha has served various functions, always remaining an asylum and a break from the hardships of life.

• The dacha as a summer residence for higher and lower classes in Tsarist Russia.
• Salvation from hunger in the Soviet Union thanks to the cultivation of vegetables and fruits.
• An important component of wealth in post-Soviet capitalism.
• Asylum from the over-ideologized public sphere.
• A place of family privacy and security.
• A safety valve influencing social doublethink.

Since the time of Tsarist Russia, the dacha has been a place of rest for the elites, and after the revolution, it also became accessible to lower social classes. In the Soviet Union, in difficult times of shortages, the dacha offered the opportunity to grow food independently, which often saved families from hunger. In today's era of capitalism, the dacha has become a symbol of status and a place of escape from the noise of cities.

The book analyzes how the dacha influences the Russian mentality, allowing for distancing from the surrounding reality, often saturated with violence and injustice. Does this idyllic asylum contribute to social doublethink, which allows Russians to function in difficult conditions? The author leaves this question for readers to reflect on.

The College of Eastern Europe, the publisher of the book, has been specializing in publications on the history and culture of Eastern Europe for years. Their mission is to bring readers closer to the complex social and political processes taking place in the region. Irena Mostowicz's book fits into this mission, offering a unique insight into Russian reality through the prism of the dacha.

Irena Mostowicz, the author of the book, is a recognized researcher of Russian culture. Her works are characterized by deep analysis and an innovative approach to the topic. In her book, she combines historical knowledge with sociological observations, creating a fascinating picture of Russian society. Required reading for anyone interested in Russia and its culture.

Technical data: Pages: 181, Format: 234x162 mm, Year of publication: 2025, Binding: hardcover, Publisher: College of Eastern Europe.