Back in the U. S. S. R. : An American Family Returns to Moscow

Discusses Gorbachev's glasnost and perestroika policies and their influences on everyday society and an analysis of what the future holds for the Soviet Union

The Schecter parents and their five children wrote An American Family in Moscow after spending 1968 through 1970 there, where Jerrold Schecter was the Time-Life correspondent. Returning with a film crew during 1987, the authors numbered 10, including three of the siblings' spouses. Each observer-reporter explored areas of particular interest and the result is this encouraging, revealing book. While not predicting an altogether amicable relationship between the U.S.S.R. and the U.S., the writers cite changes in the formerly repressive atmosphere affecting the arts, schools, society, science, etc. Gorbachev's goals for progress and the new openness may not be achieved immediately, the Schecters agree, but he has made a beginning, despite obstructionists. There are, they stress, major economic problems challenging glasnost and perestroika , as well as increased demands by dissidents. But the authors also offer accounts promising hope for a better future and world peace. Significantly, the Schecters' Russian friends met them in public this visit, instead of secretly as in former days.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

In 1968, the Schecters and their five children settled in Moscow as Jerrold began a two-year tour as Time-Life's Moscow bureau chief. The family's chronicle of their adventure, An American Family in Moscow (Little, 1975), provided an intimate view of Soviet life under Brezhnev. In August 1987, the Schecter family returned to Moscow to renew friendships, evaluate changes wrought by Gorbachev's glasnost and perestroika , and to be subjects of a PBS Frontline documentary. Here each family member shares impressions, descriptions of the filming, and insights into aspects of Soviet life corresponding to individual interests in every area from the press, to the arts, to economic reform. A lively, warm, and very personal commentary. Highly recommended.
- James R. Kuhlman, Univ. of Georgia Lib., Athens
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.