The Russländer

Tatiana Nazarenko is an assistant professor of Slavic studies at the
University of Manitoba and program coordinator of Central and East
European Studies.

Peter Vogt, landless overseer of Abram Sudermann’s estate, and his
extended family struggle to survive in a turbulent world of war and
revolution. Set in a Mennonite colony in central Ukraine, The
Russlдnder describes events from 1910 up to the Mennonite immigration
to Canada and other countries in the 1920s. These events are largely
presented through the eyes of a young girl, Katya Vogt. Epistolary
fragments, documents, and newspaper clippings lend authenticity to
Katya’s narrative.

Birdsell shows a deep understanding of Mennonite life and traditions in
this moving novel. Unfortunately, numerous Russian and Ukrainian words
(including the geographic and proper names of well-known figures)
incorporated into the text are misspelled. As well, a glossary of
German, Russian, and Ukrainian words used in the text would have been
useful for readers unfamiliar with these languages. That said, The
Russlдnder is highly recommended for general readers.