Researchers studying regionalism and diversity in Russia produced tons of great books on Caucasus but very few on Volga region. This is by far the best book on Tatarstan that I know. She:
1. Has actually learnt the language
2. Lived into the culture rather than merely studied it
1. Has actually learnt the language
2. Lived into the culture rather than merely studied it
What makes Faller's book special is that she tried to grasp the conceptual framework of a culture she studied rather than apply her own. That's very rare. That requires lots of intellectual humility and the great language fluency. Unfortunately, too many researchers have neither
Helen Faller focuses on cultural politics. Unlike many others though, she has actually learnt the culture she's writing on. She raises tons of minor questions most researchers would never ask. Like, what constitutes a well-organised domestic space in Russian and in Tatar culture?
You can find Helen Faller's book in open access here. It's free. If you have to choose only one chapter to read, I would recommend Chapter 5. Repossessing Kazan. The end. This is not a thread books.openedition.org/ceup/1752?lang…
PS Book is open access to anyone, whetehr you are a part of an institution or not. See Chapter 5 books.openedition.org/ceup/1775
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