As Ukraine struggles to find its national identity; modern Ukrainian Pagans offer an alternative vision of the Ukrainian nation. Drawing inspiration from the spiritual life of past millennia; they strive to return to the pre-Christian roots of their ancestors. Since Christianity dominates the spiritual discourse in Ukraine; Pagans are marginalized; and their ideas are perceived as radical. In The Return of Ancestral Gods; Mariya Lesiv explores Pagan beliefs and practices in Ukraine and amongst the North American Ukrainian diaspora. Drawing on intensive fieldwork; archival documents; and published sources not available in English; she allows the voices of Pagans to be heard. Paganism in Slavic countries is heavily charged with ethno-nationalist politics; and previous scholarship has mainly focused on this aspect. Lesiv finds it important to consider not only how Paganism is preached but also the way that it is understood on a private level. She shows that many Ukrainians embrace Paganism because of its aesthetic aspects rather than its associated politics and discusses the role that aesthetics may play in the further development of Ukrainian Paganism. Paganism in Eastern Europe remains underrepresented within Pagan studies; and this work helps to fill that gap. Extensive comparative references to various forms of Western Paganism allows English-speaking readers to better understand the world of Ukrainian Pagans.
#960296 in Books Megan K Stack 2011-06-14 2011-06-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .60 x 5.20l; .40 #File Name: 0767930347272 pagesEvery Man in This Village Is a Liar An Education in War
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Stack gets her shoes dirty in the battleBy Irish in CarmichaelI read this in conjunction with "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" by Kim Barker. If reading both; I suggest you read this book second. Together they provide insights not prevalent in media coverage. Both women are covering the middle east at approximately the same time for different city newspapers with big media bias. Both experienced war zone actions. Barker may have enjoyed the experience more than Stack; but both experienced the adrenalin high and the importance of the story--both are easily readable accounts. Stack writes more about the reality of war up close. She is more effected and does a good job of expressing the evolution she experienced during her time in country. She draws a number of useful conclusions that require the foundation in the form of some knowledge of the origin and interests involved prior to the war(s) and occupation(s).0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Engaging.By CustomerMs. Stack does a great job of bringing the reader along with her to the middle east. Very engaging reading.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Every Man and Woman Should Read This BookBy Barrie-John MurphyMegan Stack puts into memorable prose what no statistic can convey about Iraq; Lebanon; the occupied territories and Afghanistan. It is the casual horror of war that lingers with you long after you put this book down. An Iraqi boy left to die because he can't get past a U.S. checkpoint; civilians sitting on towers of rubble; their livelihoods in ruins. Cluster bombs lying in wait for unsuspecting children. Stack is a brave; humane and resourceful journalist unafraid to confront the ugly truths behind the lies.
