ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the transformation of Russian literary culture in the Soviet era and post-Soviet years. It begins with the historical roots of socialist realism, examines its theory and practice, and discusses the relaxation of literary controls after Stalin's death. The chapter also discusses the process of erosion of the doctrine and practice of socialist realism during perestroika, and reviews the emerging literary trends in post-Soviet Russia. The Communist party and Comrade Stalin were feared, not loved. At the most, Soviet literature may have made a modest contribution to the strengthening of wartime Russian patriotism and hatred of the German invader. A broader panorama of Soviet society after a half century of communist rule emerges from a substantial number of novels that appeared in the 1960s and 1970s. They are particularly noteworthy for their depiction of three social groups: the younger members of the privileged New Class; educated urban women; and the peasantry.
