Dander Blue |
Realities of life in early 20th Century Moscow |
    20,117 / 50,000 Official Participant
Joined: Okt 24, 2009
Location: Peterborough, UK Posts: 7
Posted on:
Nov 3, 2009 - 11 34 |
Does anyone know anything about the living conditions in Moscow around 1917-18? I have found out a lot about the impact of the revolution and subsequent embargoes, civil war etc on the diet and work conditions etc, but it's the social reality details that are still a bit sketchy. It's things like whether indoor plumbing was prevalent or not, whether gas and electricity supplies were interrupted a lot, that kind of thing. Any answers or any suggestions re reading material? |
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4,169 / 50,000
Nov 3, 2009 - 22 32
"Dr. Zhivago," by Boris Pasternak, is the book that springs to mind.
My impression is that there was little, if any, electricity or indoor plumbing; and that gas probably had not reached the poorer sections of town.
----------NaNo Rebel, With a Many A Subordinate Clause
5,289 / 50,000
Nov 4, 2009 - 07 21
My impression is that there was little, if any, electricity or indoor plumbing; and that gas probably had not reached the poorer sections of town.
If you don't have the time to read it, the movie is a really good view of the same time period (and also a really excellent film).
4,005 / 50,000
Nov 4, 2009 - 11 37
Also, St. Petersburg (sometimes just Petersburg) is an early-20th century Russian metropolitan novel by Levy. Some good details there.
You might also check out the films: Reds, October and Battleship Potemkin by Eisenstein, the HBO made-for-TV biopic about Stalin, and a seconded vote for Dr. Zhivago (the Jarre soundtrack is good writing music, too!).. Good luck!
----------"Gentlemen: You have undertaken to cheat me. I won't sue you, for the law is too slow. I'll ruin you. Yours truly, Cornelius Vanderbilt."
20,117 / 50,000
Nov 4, 2009 - 11 43
Thanks Evelyn,
Yes, I've seen both versions of the film, and reread the novel only recently.
I suppose I wasn't too sure about its accuracy, or at least wanted something more factual to back up the impressions it gives. Maybe I should just trust Pasternak a bit more. Or myself. I kind of reckon that if I enjoy a novel it can't be real research...
Thanks for the help.
Dander
20,117 / 50,000
Nov 4, 2009 - 12 25
Thanks! I didn't know about the Levy novel and will get hold of that asap. Seen the movies but maybe their worth a second look too. Cheers.