September 01, 2024

Russians Take New York


Russians Take New York
Don't worry, not that New York. The Russian Life files.

In late August, Russian state media reported that Kremlin forces had taken the village of New York, Ukraine. This is Russia's latest victory in its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Izvestia noted that the village holds strategic significance: according to that outlet, New York was used as an artillery base by Ukrainian troops. However, it's hard to also miss the significance of Russia taking a town bearing the same name as one of the U.S.'s largest cities.

It's unclear why the unremarkable Ukrainian village bears that name. It was settled by German Protestants in the nineteenth century and christened "New York" then (although spelled in Cyrillic: Нью-Йорк). In 1951, the name was changed to much more Slavic-sounding Novgorodskoye.

The name was reverted in 2021, a move we marked by sharing a meme. But whether these Russian gains will be significant as Ukraine pushes into Russian territory is yet to be seen.

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Fish

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka
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Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.

A Taste of Russia
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A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

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