In the best traditions of literary journalism, Bastard Republic takes us inside two of the defining developments of the 20^th century--the collapse of communism in Europe and the implosion of the Soviet Union. Through a compelling mix of memoir, reportage, history and travel writing, this collection of immersion essays accomplishes what facts alone cannot by drawing us into the lives of people propelled towards a future of sudden, rough transformation. Shaw probes recent history through their voices as they struggle for identity and equilibrium amidst revolution and massive social upheaval. Their echoes linger long after the last page of this book is turned.