Ukrainian Intelligentsia in Post-Soviet L'viv

Eleonora Narvselius’s book tackles one of the most elusive social groups in a rapidly transforming social and physical landscape of a very unusual post-Soviet city. ... This book proves that, despite the economic cataclysms of the post-Soviet period and the intelligentsia’s significantly weakened social status, the group remains an important player in the post-Soviet cultural landscape. ... Narvselius’s book is the most extensive and sophisticated treatment of L'viv’s intelligentsia during the two decades that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union. It is a must-read for anyone working on cities, social change, and cultural projects in post-Soviet Ukraine. * Canadian Slavonic Papers *
This book makes an important contribution to studies of post-Soviet intellectuals. It draws on extensive interviews and ethnographic observation conducted in L'viv, the Western Ukrainian city that provided the foundation for the Ukrainian national independence movement. Narvselius develops a perceptive account of the practices and discourses through which intellectuals in this city imagine and articulate alternatives to Soviet institutions. The author explores with great subtlety the narratives of ethics, culture, and public space through which intellectuals developed a deep sense of community after the region was annexed to Soviet Ukraine and analyzes how they make sense of the uncertainties they now face in post-Soviet Ukraine. -- Alexandra Hrycak, associate professor of sociology, Reed College
In her compelling study of the L'Viv Intelligentsia, Eleonora Narvselius brings to life the tale of the relationship of the intelligentsia, the city of L’viv in western Ukraine and the idea of the nation. . . .Bolstered by an impressive array of interviews, printed and online articles, and visual sources, Narvselius’ work provides an original and fresh perspective on the issues at stake. . . .[T]he book presents a brilliant picture of those who can be seen as the winners of the collapse of the Soviet Union. . . .Eleonora Narvselius’ study is well-argued, the findings are clearly presented and the proposed theoretical and methodological parts may be helpful for researchers working in a similar field. The book is highly recommended to all those who are interested in contemporary Ukraine, the intelligentsia and postsocialist societies in general. * Europe-Asia Studies *