An Englishman in Russia

The world's shortest novel, which may or may not have been written by Hemingway, is all of six words, "For Sale: Baby shoes. Never worn." No would-be parent could be unaffected by this.

Just as no father could remain untouched by this compact and beautifully-written cameo of an Englishman in Russia saying goodbye to his Russian daughter and her mother, who are fleeing to Italy, unable to live with their growing sense that Putin's Russia is a re-run of Hitler's Germany (An Englishman in Russia). While the particular circumstances might remain somewhat vague, like those of the baby shoes, the emerging background certainly is not.

Regard the account as a "Casablanca"-like act of ultimate selflessness in the context of war. While the unexpected loss, emptiness, and utter aimlessness experienced by this Englishman may be different in kind from the parade-of-horribles currently inflicted directly on Ukraine, this rendering could be a powerful metaphor for Russia as her people (and we) slowly come to grips with the loss that comes with a changing world order. This five-minute read will provide plenty of material for discussion on a range of subjects, from the personal elements of the story to the geopolitical implications.

One of the many possible tangents centers around Putin's very political survival. Do the Russian people not share the same sense of looming hopelessness that drove this Englishman's selfless act? The Western press would seem to suggest there is an undercurrent of Russian dissatisfaction with Putin that is held in check only through news blackouts, propaganda, and the conditioned passivity of the people. But, as they say, it can be dangerous when you start believing your own press releases.

Have we not seen this movie before?