36 - A.K. 47 - Autobiography of a Sexually Emancipated Communist Woman - Discussion II

In this episode, Kristen Ghodsee gives some more context to Alexandra Kollontai's life by reading from the texts of two women who knew her personally: the American Louise Bryant and the Spaniard Isabel de Palencia. Based on her personal meeting with Kollontai in the early years of the revolution, Louise Bryant wrote about Kollontai in her 1918 book, Six Red Months in Russia, and in her 1923 book, Mirrors of Moscow. Isabel de Palencia knew Kollontai in Stockholm where they were both diplomats in the 1930s. Her book, Alexandra Kollontay: Ambasadress from Russia, was published in English in 1947 and is based on both Palencia's personal memories of Kollontai as well as interviews with Kollontai's friends and colleagues.From these two texts we get a sense that Kollontai deeply impressed her female comrades with her charm, charisma, beauty, and fashion sense as well as her exceptional work ethic, oratory skills, diplomatic tact, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Send us Fan MailThanks so much for listening. This podcast has no Patreon-type account and receives no funding. There are no ads and there is no monetization. If you'd like to support the work being done here, please spread the word with your networks.Kristen R. Ghodsee is the award-winning author of twelve critically acclaimed books published in over 20 languages, and a University of Pennsylvania Professor of Russian and East European Studies. Check out Kristen Ghodsee's recent books: Everyday UtopiaRed ValkyriesWhy Women Have Better Sex Under SocialismSecond World, Second SexSubscribe to Kristen Ghodsee’s free, episodic newsletter at: https://kristenghodsee.substack.comLearn more about Kristen Ghodsee's work: www.kristenghodsee.com or request to follow her on Instagram @prof_kristen