Many of the upheavals in Captain Dikshtein: a Fantastic Narrative and in Est-Ouest are rather similar although they each take place at different times during this last century. The reader can assume that some upheavals did happen, just not during the time frame of the story. A huge upheaval of Est-Ouest is moving back to Russia. Sergei and Marie, especially had a rather difficult time moving back. They were promised opportunity, amongst other things, and …showed first 75 words of 855 total…

…showed last 75 words of 855 total…one in Captain Dikshtein did not affect the characters as it had Marie. Igor Ivanovich and Nastya and their family and friends were more used to the government than Marie was. They could deal better with the changes. Each story contains numerous examples of upheaval. Many of the characters in each story are really strong: they have all been through so much. But, as they say, what does not kill you only makes you stronger.