The Left Side of History: World War II and the Unfulfilled Promise of Communism in Eastern Europe by Kristen Ghodsee (review)

Abstract

acters have names, nor are the cities or years pinpointed; narrated in the third person, these sketches are rendered as templates that the reader can hopefully apply to his or her life in order to finally understand the mechanisms at work behind the misery or oppression experience in an everyday context” (51). Because much of Rafanelli’s writing used in this book is fictional and is not constricted by time or place, Pakieser’s audience is able to consider the key concepts of religion, feminism, and anarchism in a current context, which seems to be a reasonable extension of Rafanelli’s intention when writing the pieces. In writing this biography, Andrea Pakieser not only provides an insight into a fascinating woman’s life and work, she also contributes meaningfully to current cultural debates regarding religion, feminism, and politics. For those who are not familiar with Leda Rafanelli, this biography provides an important and enjoyable introduction to and history of nontraditional views and activism, which seems to be of endless interest in today’s world. This biography is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in exploring feminism, religion, or politics through contradictory contexts, and it nevertheless advocates for the imbrication of one’s own beliefs, regardless of whether or not cultural norms support such interpretations or applications.