One can hear more often than not skeptical remarks about Belarus’ statehood, while some people tend to play up the Soviet government’s role in bringing about independence. The research by Ihar Pushkin focusing on armed resistance to the Soviet authorities in Belarus in the 1920s-1930s is yet another argument that proves that Belarus’ emergence on the map of Europe was quite natural. Unique documents and history without censorship show the real picture of life in Belarus under the Soviet rule. Resistance to collectivization and the Soviet regime, struggle for independence continued in eastern Belarus after Russia and Poland divided the country. After the break-up of the Soviet Union the Belarusians regained their independence, but Moscow made repeated attempts to undermine it. Belarusians fought for it during World War II and during the peaceful reconstruction of socialism. The book gives an insight into Belarus’ history in the 20th century and history of struggle for independence. (Z.К.)