Balancing Acts

Goscilo (Slavic studies, U. of Pittsburgh) has collected 19 stories by Russian women, written over the last 20 years. The work is a composite self-portrait of modern Russian womanhood. Dominant themes are the prevalence of the double-shift syndrome--women's conflicting responsiblities on the job and at home--and the dilemmas of professional achievements and frustrations versus private joys and disappointments. Social problems and abuses emerge as an extension of personal human relations and historical developments. Cloth edition ($39.95) not seen by UPBN. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)