i don't usually like translated work but i think cathy porter is excellent. she translated the diary of sofia tolstoy. ( )

These short stories are something unusual, and a fascinating document about early communism. Kollontai was an ardent communism back when it originated in Russia; she was present when Lenin made his triumphal return from exile.

The stories she presents here concern the decisions and sacrifices she expects good communist women to make - communal living, the abandonment of ambition - and wraps them up in a couple of love stories. Very strange, yet compelling and a must-read for anyone looking at that period of Russia's history. ( )