Question by Brooklyn: I am writing a short story based around Russia in WW2. Could anyone help me with the history side?
In my historical fiction story a ballet dancer transfers to Russia just before WW2 starts. I want to tell part of the story through her eyes about the war, but could anyone give me an outline about Russia in WW2? Thanks.
Answers and Views:
Answer by iCassie
Read a book about it, theres tons.
Especially ones written by Russians who lived through it. Particularly a mother or sister or wife of one of the Russian soldiers.
Good luck 😀
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old lady says
Where is your ballet dancer from? The US? The war began in 1939, although the US didn't get into it until 1942. The Ballet Russe fled Russia – largely due to the internal strife and the wartime deprivations. There are tons of books about the history of the war and if you're writing historical fiction, I'd suggest you read an authoritative account. You're going to need to know the names of cities, of generals, of pogroms within the country (yes, those went on even during the war years) and of the situation of the Russian people, and these events have to form an accurate background for your story.
Ophelia says
Erm well my knowledge of that period is somewhat limited..
But I do know that Stalin was running a communist dictatorship (he was the successor to Lenin.) He had purged all ministers/campaigners etc who were anything but communist and there was widespread poverty throughout Russia. Furthermore, Russia suffered the heaviest losses of all the nations in WW2. Their alliance with the USA and Britain was very uneasy because of their ideological differences (led to the start of the Cold War.) Despite the widespread poverty and food shortages, propaganda from the time suggests a nationwide devotion to Stalin, although much like his enemy Hitler, there was hatred for him and resistance groups, but they were limited, swiftly put down, illegal and had to operate in cognito. As for the technicalities (war fronts, fighting area/techniques etc) I would read a history book or Wiki it!
Hope I helped in some small way
x
Matty Mcloughlin says
Russia during WWII was not a pleasant place. Those who had an opinion the state didn't agree with were killed. It was bleak and life would be quite sad. The people were oppressed and suffered. In the writing try to include the desperation and hopelessness of the people involved.