Red Square by Martin Cruz

¶ … Red Square by Martin Cruz Smith. Specifically it will discuss how the book relates to sociology and why other readers should read the book, including what I liked and did not like about the book. This book definitely relates to sociology because it is a vivid look into Soviet society after the breakdown of the Soviet Union. The society has become "westernized" and people and life has changed drastically from Soviet times. Reading this novel is a glimpse into modern Soviet society and the freedom that is now common in Russia.

Most people would probably see this book as a simple and engrossing detective story. In this, it is engrossing and makes the reader want to read more as they try to solve the mystery along with the main character. However, if the reader looks a little more closely at this story, they will begin to unearth a variety of details that make it much more than a simple mystery novel. The book actually has several themes besides solving the mystery. It is also an engrossing look into Soviet society in 1991 after the fall of the Soviet Union. Russians and many other Europeans are free for the first time in decades, or the first time in their lives. This book shows the culture clash between West and East, and how freedom and capitalism have changed Russia and her people forever.

The author peppers the book with pictures of Russian life after freedom. Early in the book he writes, "Gypsies lit kerosene lamps beside attache cases to display counterfeit gold czarist rubles in mint condition, sealed and sold in plastic strips" (Smith 5). Here the author shows how the people are living caught between two worlds. They use the old, outmoded symbols of Soviet oppression and failure, like kerosene lamps, next to modern attache cases full of historic money. They are out to make a buck, literally any way they can, now that they are a capitalistic society. The book is full of details like this that make a rich treasure trove of sociological information for the interested student or reader.

There is another clue that this book is more than a simple mystery novel - it is a sociological study of people, place, and time. When the book is through, the reader has a much better understanding of Russia today and Russian society. They also have a good idea of where Russia came from and how the Soviet Union finally collapsed. Things are in turmoil in Russia after the breakup, but they were in even more turmoil before. In the Russia of today, the Russian Mafia still blows up cars, artwork is still stolen and recovered, and the people still have to struggle with poverty, hunger, and sometimes third world conditions. However, they now have the ability to help themselves, something they did not have before. One of the most interesting aspects of this book is how the author shows the different entrepreneurs, businesspeople, and capitalists who have swarmed into and throughout the country and are trying to sell everything from historic money to electronics and gourmet foods. Russian society is hungry for innovations and products, and there are plenty of people who would be more than happy to sell them what they want. The author shows how this is a new and vibrant society that has the choice to go anywhere it wants to go right now. It is like a baby taking its' first tiny steps. It is certain the Russian people will make mistakes along their new journey, but with author's like Smith showing the rebirth of Russian society, it is certain that people around the globe will understand just what the Russian people are working, hoping, dreaming, and striving for today.

The book also looks at other European society and subtly compares it to Russia and beyond. A beer garden in Munich shows the reader how much Europe has also changed since World War II and in the wake of the Soviet breakup. Smith writes, "The man's eyes darted to his Soviet coat. He said, 'You like the beer, the food, the life? It's nice. We worked forty years to have it so" (Smith 176). This sums up much of European society concisely. Europe has struggled since World War II and gained new success, prosperity, and a more modern society. Now, Russia must struggle to catch up. It is another glimpse into the sociology of a country and people who have been in the "dark ages" and is now attempting to embrace modern society at the speed of light.