Children's World

"How a country views its children reveals a great deal about that country. This landmark history of childhood in twentieth-century Russia presents an enthralling and detailed picture of a society where childhood was celebrated everywhere, but children's real needs were often neglected by the state. Catriona Kelly, one of the foremost cultural historians of modern Russia, explores every aspect of children's lives, including the stresses and joys of ordinary family life, friendships, sports and games, first love, clothing and schools. She examines the experiences of children in institutions, orphanages and in Stalin's camps, as well as the impact on their lives of such historical tragedies as revolution, civil and world war and political purges." "Based on unprecedented research in archives, hundreds of interviews, and the study of a huge range of newspapers, books and pamphlets, the book has an immediacy which is startling. Over a hundred illustrations sharpen the focus still more. Kelly weaves together information about the relationships between children and adults, prevailing ideas about childhood, and the actual experiences of children to create an unforgettable account of the intimate workings of Russian and Soviet society."--Jacket.

Beyond its central premise, the book can be read through the connected lenses of Nonfiction. Those themes offer useful points of attention as the characters, ideas, or world develop, especially where the book complicates the expectations of its primary category.