Politics Living, eating and dreaming revolution The Soviet state was born in violence and shaped with merciless determination. Lenin played a central role in its creation. By Catherine Merridale
History’s losers: intimate stories from survivors of the Soviet empire Second-Hand Time by Svetlana Alexievich is an empathetic treatment of collective memory – and grief. By Catherine Merridale
In Russia, make way for the new Italians Forget the proletarian's sack-like clothes, today's Russian women are fashionistas, reports Catherin By Catherine Merridale