AUDIOBOOK
About
If the history of the twentieth century can be seen as a successful struggle to expand personal freedoms, then the history of the twenty-first century will be seen as a contest to assert cultural, ethnic, or religious identities. From the crisis in Europe, where identity is seen as inimical to democratic freedoms, to the threats to identity posed by postmodern relativism and Marxism, to the corrosive dullness of identity-less cosmopolitanism, Sharansky conducts a philosophical tour of nations, regions, and cities whose futures rest precariously on the struggle for identity. His purpose throughout is to recover that most valuable and essential political emotion, one that can reaffirm and underpin democratic societies. Together, identity and democracy assert a powerful and benign sense of purpose; divided, at odds with each other, they invite fundamentalism and rootlessness.
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Reviews
"Stefan Rudnicki's deep voice enables a stronger foreboding tone for Sharansky's words. His light use of accents for quotes provides context without exaggeration. Most important, Rudnicki patiently works through the text with shifting emphasis and pauses to allow for listener understanding during the more cerebral elements of Sharansky's writings."
Publishers Weekly
"Stefan Rudnicki's narration is clear and well paced. His voice, which seems somehow to capture the whole of human experience in every sentence, gives life to Sharansky's logic. After nine years in Soviet prison and many more defending Israel against enemies and detractors, Sharansky still maintains his sense of humor and of hope."
AudioFile