Book Review: Wind of Change–An American Journey in Post-Soviet Russia

Wind of Change – An American Journey in Post-Soviet Russia, Kenneth Maher,  Palmetto Publishing,  2022. 273 pages.

Reviewed by T.L. Needham.

The author, Kenneth Maher, in Wind of Change – An American Journey in Post-Soviet Russia… has written a compelling memoir of his early years after taking a master’s degree in Russian Area Studies. He became fluent in speaking the Russian language, which framed his first opportunity to fulfill his heart’s desire, to visit Russia. The time is post-Soviet Russia, when the “winds of change” were strong, inviting a transition toward liberal western values, such as, a free-market economy; and freedoms of speech, press, and assembly.  

As I read this story, I felt it was an allegory of the author’s days in Russia and the direction destiny had in store for him and the Russians, and whether the linkage would be productive and lasting. Or, would Russian history prevail, leading to inertia and remain unchanged, or even worse?

Maher writes with a determined passion to reveal his zeal to guide various Russian businesses to link with American partners. He frames each story with a well-illustrated setting, given the weather extremes from Siberia to Moscow, with vivid details of the appearance, clothing, attitudes, and personality of his Russian compatriots.

The author sets the stage in careful and detailed descriptions of the businesses, management, staff, products produced and attitudes that govern an approach to achieve the much-desired transition to a western style economy.

And he focuses in vivid detail on the food, and drink, offered by the Russians. Especially the constant and the ever-present . . . VODKA. No matter the occasion, or time, or priorities, vodka and toasts seem to be present and prioritized, revealing the insight that Russian traditions and customs run very deep, and change is not apt to come easy.

This important book is well-written and engaging. It is an essential and timely record of the transition of Soviet Russia to the Russian of today, nearly three decades later.