title: The Intimate Diary of a Russian Woman: My Search for Meaning in the Midst of My Country's Upheaval
author:  Elena Sukhorukikh Romine 
description: This 1988 diary of a middle-class Russian woman, ending with a trip to New York City from which, apparently, she did not return home, is an unmitigated bore. Romine, now married to an American and living in Southern California, presents herself as a middle-aged "single" on a frantic quest to meet "him"; her advertisement for herself notes that she is "not badly built," has "rather beautiful" hands and a smile that "looks good." But on the down side, she is "not one to be calm and happy if there's an excuse to do a little suffering." Daughter of a scientist and raised in a household with a maid, this member of the nomenklatura continued to enjoy a certain comfort as an adult, teaching at a publishing-journalism school in Moscow. But we learn virtually nothing about Romine's obviously untaxing work, for she is more intent on gossiping about her romances, her disagreeable first husband and her friends' love affairs and miserable marriages. A journal of a Russian woman's everyday life would be of great interest, if written by someone less egocentric than Romine. <br />Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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  # Acknowledgments
  
  
  My thanks go to my friend and agent, Michael Carlisle, for providing that rare
  blend of brilliance and sound advice. I am also very much indebted to Webster
  Younce for his insight, for his wise literary counsel, and for being such a
  fine editor to work alongside. Likewise, Sasheem Silkiss-Hero, Andy Heidel,
  Martha Kennedy, Liz Duvall, and Carla Gray have all worked hard on this novel,
  and I am greatly appreciative of their help, their care, and their dedication.
  
  
  Next a thank-you to my friends in Russia. In particular Angelina, for her
  indefatigable spirit, for taking me with her to all those parties, and for
  reading the draft. Also to Lena for a very informative Uzbek lunch and for
  teaching me "I love you." I am grateful to Sean McColm, formerly of the
  British Consulate in St. Petersburg, for a beer, his time, and his
  refreshingly detailed knowledge of the facts. Thanks to Yana for pointing out
  the best graveyards. Thanks to Sergei for the most dangerou