Goodbye Eastern Europe

In Goodbye Eastern Europe by Jacob Mikanowski, readers embark on an evocative journey through a region rich with cultural diversity and historical complexity. Mikanowski interweaves personal anecdotes with a deep exploration of Eastern European history, opening a window into a world oscillating between the tragic and the comic. The narrative spans from the shores of the Baltic Sea to the mountains of the Balkans, meandering through cities like Prague and Kiev, illustrating how the past continuously informs the region's present.

The book goes beyond merely cataloguing events and dates. Mikanowski delves into the intimate stories of people's lives, examining how their experiences, traditions, and struggles contribute to the ever-shifting landscape. He masterfully brings to life the influences of various cultures and religions—whether it’s the ancient sacred groves or the enduring syncretic traditions—offering readers a nuanced understanding of a region often misunderstood or oversimplified.

As historian Serhii Plokhy notes, Mikanowski's work is meticulously researched and beautifully written, presenting a personal narrative that pays homage to an area not easily defined by modern maps. It recognises the origin of many ideas and movements that continue to impact global political and ideological debates today. Goodbye Eastern Europe serves as a tribute to a disappearing world of fluid borders and diverse spiritual landscapes, reminding us of the importance of remembering and understanding these often overlooked threads of history.

This book is an invitation to reflect on the complex web of experiences that have shaped, and continue to shape, the identity of Eastern Europe. Through rich storytelling and an empathetic lens, Mikanowski urges readers not to rush in bidding farewell to this enigmatic part of the world, but to appreciate its intricate and enduring legacy.