Remaining Relevant After Communism: The Role of the Writer in Eastern Europe

The study explores the transformation of Eastern European writers following the end of communism, highlighting their historical role as a "second government" in a politically repressive environment. With the fall of the Berlin Wall, these writers faced the challenge of redefining their influence in newly democratic societies. Andrew Baruch Wachtel examines their efforts to maintain relevance through various strategies, including pulp fiction and public service, reflecting on the shifts in their societal status and the literary landscape since 1989.