BROKEN HEART/BROKEN WHOLENESS, By Ayse Dietrich^*, Published by: Academic Studies Press,. Written by Ber Kotlerman, Year of Publishing: 2017. Subject Area: Jews of Russia, Der Nister, Book Type: History and Travel. Total Number of Pages: 278. ISBN:9781618115300, $69.00, Hardcover.

The book is based on archival research, travel notes and personal interviews, and is comprised of a travel account and Der Nister’s trial. The first part is “Der Nister’s Journey from Moscow to Birobidzhan” and the second “Investigation Case No.68”.

The first part is devoted to a historical and literary analysis of Der Nister’s writings and thought. This section also includes the translation of Der Nister’s impressions of his journey on the migrant’s train.

The Part Two concentrates on the formulation of the charges against Der Nister and the Birobidzhan Yiddish writers associated with him. It includes the translation of Der Nister’s “Birobidzhan Manifesto” and his trial documents.

This book makes a contribution to the study of minorities in general, and Jews in particular, during the early years of the Soviet Union. It is also of use for those interested in issues related to the relationship between writers and Soviet authorities in this period.