Russia's Hero Cities: From Postwar Ruins to the Soviet Heroarchy

The Soviet Union endured great pain during World War II, but under Brezhnev, the Great Patriotic War was transformed into a victory celebration. Ivo Mijnssen's book Russia's Hero Cities explores how contradictory national recollections were revised into an idealized past that served official needs and offered a narrative of heroism. 13 Hero Cities were named champions and recognized by Brezhnev's government with awards, financial contributions, and festivities. However, the war still has the power to mask the deep rifts present in Russian society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 332 pages
Publication date: 04 May 2021
Publisher: Indiana University Press

The Second World War, also known as the Great Patriotic War in Russia, left a profound impact on the Soviet Union and its survivors. The memory of this anguish was often suppressed under Stalin's regime, but the 1960s brought about a transformation. Under Brezhnev's leadership, the concept of the Great Patriotic War was reimagined as a celebration of victory.

In his book, Russia's Hero Cities, Ivo Mijnssen delves into how contradictory national recollections were revised into an idealized past that served official needs and provided a narrative of heroism. This triumphant narrative was most evident in the creation of 13 Hero Cities, scattered across Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. These cities, which played significant roles in the war, were honored and named champions. Brezhnev's government officially recognized these cities with awards, financial contributions, and ceremonial festivities. Their citizens encountered the altered history at every turn, from the manicured battlefields to war memorials and family stories.

Mijnssen's book is a comprehensive exploration of two cities, Tula and Novorossiysk, using a rich tapestry of archival material, oral history interviews, and newspaper articles. By examining the significance of Hero Cities in Soviet identity and their enduring but conflicted importance for Russians today, Russia's Hero Cities sheds light on how the Great Patriotic War no longer masks the deep divisions still present in Russian society.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 151 x 230 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253056221