What They Did to Us

"What They Did to Us" is a profound exploration by Vilnius University professor Danutė Gailienė into the collective trauma experienced by the Lithuanian people during the tumultuous 20th century. This scholarly work delves into the impacts of Soviet occupations, deportations, imprisonments, and the enduring effects of totalitarianism on Lithuanian society. Gailienė seamlessly integrates historical analysis with trauma psychology and sociology, examining how systemic repression and violence have influenced the nation's mentality, value systems, health, and overall quality of life. A focal point of the book is the phenomenon of political prisoners, highlighting the paradox of "freedom in captivity, " the public health crisis, and the challenges Lithuania faced post-independence. This publication serves as both a scientific study and a deep cultural and political reflection, offering insights into how historical memory and experiences of suffering have shaped Lithuania's modern identity and its trajectory into the future. Ideal for historians, sociologists, and readers interested in Eastern European studies, "What They Did to Us" provides a comprehensive understanding of Lithuania's past and its implications for contemporary society