January 29, 2020

The Motherland Calls... Reenactors


The Motherland Calls... Reenactors
Historically accurate. VKontakte, Sergei Stepanov. Posted to @vproriv.

A quiet St. Petersburg suburb was recently transformed into a war zone worthy of an action film. 20 automobiles, 15 tanks, and 600 reenactors celebrated the 76th anniversary of the end of the Siege of Leningrad with a "war-historical festival" (the Siege was broken on January 27, 1944).

The event, dubbed "The Breakthrough Strip," pays homage to the over one million Soviet citizens who perished during the over-two-year blockade of the city by Nazi forces 1941-1944. Another half-million Red Army troops died attempting to relieve the city.

Even now, nearly 75 years after the war ended, World War II has not lost its power as important historical touchpoint in Russia. In fact, the government has been encouraging national unity around the "Great Patriotic War" through the invocation of war glory since Putin took power in 2000 (expect this May's 75th anniversary celebrations to get significant coverage). And, as any traveler can tell you, Russians love their monuments.

We think it looks pretty cool, if we're being honest. Check out their promotional video.

Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

The Samovar Murders
November 01, 2019

The Samovar Murders

The murder of a poet is always more than a murder. When a famous writer is brutally stabbed on the campus of Moscow’s Lumumba University, the son of a recently deposed African president confesses, and the case assumes political implications that no one wants any part of.

A Taste of Chekhov
December 24, 2022

A Taste of Chekhov

This compact volume is an introduction to the works of Chekhov the master storyteller, via nine stories spanning the last twenty years of his life.

Life Stories
September 01, 2009

Life Stories

The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.

The Latchkey Murders
July 01, 2015

The Latchkey Murders

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin is back on the case in this prequel to the popular mystery Murder at the Dacha, in which a serial killer is on the loose in Khrushchev’s Moscow...

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955