Professor in Russian and Film Studies, Emma Widdis offers the latest reflection in praise of everyday life. Her most recent book is Socialist Senses: Film, Feeling and the Soviet Subject, 1917-1939 (Indiana University Press, 2017)

"I had planned a term of research leave this Easter 2020. I was supposed to be in Russia, foraging in archives. Instead I found myself in lockdown in Grantchester, with a border terrier, two cats, a husband, and two teenagers home-schooling. Abandoning my sabbatical, I’ve been busy in Zoom seminars and supervisions, with students who find themselves suddenly adrift from Trinity and the University, facing new ‘take-home’ exams. I’m glad to have been in the thick of things during these strange times. I have been nothing but impressed by our brilliant students, and their dedication to continuing with their studies. It has been interesting to see not just the inevitable losses in their experience (collegiality, community), but also the some of the benefits in an examination system reconfigured to allow more space and time for reflection..."

Read the full article https://www.trin.cam.ac.uk/news/lessons-from-russian-literature-in-praise-of-everyday-life/