Book review: Socialist escapes: breaking away from ideology and everyday routine in Eastern Europe, 1945-1989

"Socialist Escapes: Breaking Away from Ideology and Everyday Routine in Eastern Europe, 1945-1989." Cathleen Giustino, Catherine Plum and Alexander Vari (eds.). Berghahn Books. April 2013. --- During much of the Cold War, escape from countries in the East Bloc was a near impossible act. There remained, however, possibilities for other socialist escapes, particularly time away from party ideology and the mundane routines of everyday life. The essays in this volume seek to examine sites of socialist escapes, such as beaches, camp sites, and concerts, and explore the effectiveness of state efforts to engineer society through leisure. Cultural historians and sociologists will appreciate this fascinating glimpse into cultural life under state socialism, writes Eleanor Bindman.