The Bread of Affliction

This insightful exploration details how the Soviet Union managed food supplies during the 1941 invasion, revealing the resilience of its people. The Bread of Affliction offers a profound analysis.

In The Bread of Affliction, the author explores the complex dynamics of food supply in the Soviet Union during the German invasion of 1941. Through an extensive examination of American and German archives from the World War II era, the book sheds light on how the Soviet populace adapted to severe food shortages. The narrative reveals that central planning became increasingly ineffective, compelling civilians to rely on their own resourcefulness to secure sustenance. This shift in responsibility highlights the resilience of the Soviet people amidst dire circumstances.

The author emphasizes the establishment of a rationing system that quickly lost its relevance due to chronic food scarcity. As the war progressed, the breakdown of central food supplies led to a significant decline in the value of the rouble, with bread and clothing often serving as alternative currencies. The book illustrates the stark contrast between the living conditions of Soviet civilians and those under German occupation, revealing that the latter experienced even greater hardships.

The Bread of Affliction also features interviews with over thirty Soviet émigrés who survived the war, providing personal insights that enrich the historical narrative. These firsthand accounts, combined with rigorous archival research, create a compelling portrait of survival and adaptation in one of history's most challenging periods. The book ultimately highlights the ingenuity and determination of a population striving to endure against overwhelming odds.