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Acknowledgments I could not have completed this project without the help of a myriad of people. First and foremost, lowe a huge debt to the people I interviewed, who were willing to share both tales of pain and of joy with a foreign researcher. Their tolerance, helpfulness, and innumerable kindnesses epitomize the fabled Russian soul. Although I cannot name them all here, each has a place in my heart. Special thanks go to the teachers in the Vladimir KORA program, to the students in my folklore class at Novosibirsk State University, and to Marina Kamasheva and Nadezhda Pivkina and their families for their friendship and support during the writing of this book. All researchers are also dependent on the good graces of granting institutions. This research was funded by support from the Fulbright-Hays Association and from the University of Kentucky. I would like to thank James Bailey and my colleagues at the University of Kentucky Karen Petrone and Monica Udvardy, all of whom provided me with invaluable commentary on the book as it evolved. Susan Janecek assisted with much needed, eagle-eyed editorial comments on the draft. I am also indebted to all those who have commented on my papers, articles, and grant proposals related to this project, including Natalie Kononenko, Galina and Bob Rothstein, Michele Rivkin-Fish, Faith Wigzell, Anne Ingram, Snejana Tempest, and Laura Olson. My gratitude goes to the anonymous reviewers of this book as well, for their insights and careful assessment of the manuscript. Any errors in this work are entirely my own. I wish to express my appreciation also to those who have not only helped with my research, but who have contributed in many other ways to the success of my work. The professors in the English Department at Novosibirsk State University welcomed me into their community and saw me through the Siberian winter. My University of Kentucky colleagues Cynthia Ruder and Gerald Janecek have been supportive in countless ways and have made coming to work a pleasure over the last fourteen years. My Russian colleages Mikhail Lobanov, Ekaterina Belousova, Sergei Nekliudov, Yelena and Sergei Minyonok, and Vera Kuznetsova have all have advised me and helped with logistics and materials during this project. The librarians at tl1e University of Kentucky performed miracles and never tired of my requests for help and materials, no matter how far afield. My siblings Dan Rouhier and Chelle Melzer and my dear friends Suzanne Morgan, Betty Trotter, Patricia Hayward, Ed and Deb Flaga, Anna Voskresenskaia, Marina and Charles x VILLAGE VALUES Lyon, and Mark and Amy Pitton have cheered me on and given me the confidence to pursue this project to the end. Valentina I., Polina and Vadim D., and Olga V. opened their homes to me during my research trips to Moscow. Klara S. fed me and buoyed my spirits with her stories. Natalia Turner spent hours transcribing my interview tapes. The students in my Russian Folklore classes at the University of Kentucky listened patiently as I endlessly recited stories about my research and provided input on the material I collected; particular thanks go to my research assistants John Rucker and Adam Recktenwald. Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank my husband Wes Rouhier-Willoughby, for his patience, good humor, and endless love and support, you deserve the big plate. Note: All translations from my interviews and other sources are my own except as noted in the bibliography. I have used the Library of Congress transliteration system for Russian expressions and names. ...

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