The Foreign Service Journal, November 2004

Life in a Dacha: An American Family in Moscow, 1949-1950 Maria & Ralph Collins, Erica Collins Steffee, 2003, paperback, 175 pages. This beautiful book tells the story of an American Foreign Service family’s adventure living in Moscow in 1949 and 1950. A joint project of the children of Maria and Ralph Collins, the book is dedi- cated to the couples’ grandchildren and great-grand- children. The Collins’ narrative about life in Moscow comes from Maria’s memoirs, recorded back at home in Tennessee, and Ralph’s autobiography, View from Leconte (1988). The second part of the book reflects the Collins children’s findings in their later journey through miles of National Archives paper and micro- film in search of documents from the 1945-1953 peri- od that would help fill out the context for the family’s experiences. The post reports and various State Department documents they unearthed add a fascinating dimension to the personal story. Tastefully and instruc- tively illustrated throughout, and printed on coated stock, this book is much more than an ordinary memoir. Ralph Collins, an FSO from 1945 to 1967, died in 1998. His wife Maria died in 1992. Erica Collins Steffee, their eldest daughter who steered the production of this book, lives in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Though it is not available for sale in stores, those interested in obtaining a copy may contact Erica Collins Steffee by phone at (216) 229-6740, or by e-mail at Bill@steffee.com. Living with Multiple Sclerosis: A Caregiver’s Story John Morris Fenley, iUniverse, Inc., 2003, $26.95, hardcover, 181 pages. The author’s early training in life coincided with the Great Depression, from the late 1920s into the first years of the 1940s. Moving frequently to earn a living, becom- ing a Mr. Fix-it for his family, and forced to be financially F O C U S 40 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 4 Interim Accommodations for Corporate and Government Markets Apartments, Townhouses & Single Family Homes “FOR THE EXECUTIVE ON THE MOVE”  finder5@IX.netcom.com Locations throughout Northern Virginia and D.C. Units fully furnished, equipped and accessorized Many “Walk to Metro” locations Pet Friendly 5105-L Backlick Road, Annandale, Virginia Tel: (703) 354-4070 Fax: (703) 642-3619 Executive Lodging Alternatives