Choice Review

The Roma or "gypsy" population of the former Soviet Union posed a challenge to efforts to mold "socially useful, rational, literate, cultured" citizens who would "advance the cause of the collective." State-devised programs would ostensibly assimilate minority people and prepare them to work in a socialist economy by providing schools, theaters, alphabets, and institutions that would integrate and make of them conscious, modern members of the state. O'Keeffe (history, Brooklyn College, CUNY) outlines compliance strategies employed by Romas, many of whom had been formerly romanticized by Russian writers and whose music and dance was enjoyed in Moscow and St. Petersburg clubs. Roma community leaders planned a series of activities in response to the state goals, but embraced and promulgated negative stereotypes of themselves as they fell in line. Still, their "performance" of self was touted as "ethnographically authentic." Familiar stories of the trivialization and stylization of local historic cultures and their music and language abound in this fascinating account. O'Keeffe's book is well researched and tells an important tale of Roma history and struggle. Such histories are increasingly important as Roma face increasing prejudice, hate, and discrimination in today's Europe. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Most levels/libraries. L. De Danaan emerita, Evergreen State College