In the early 20th century, the Soviet Union began to experience a sweeping proletarian revolution, as well as rapid industrialization. This transition began reshaping the preceding social structure and firmly held beliefs of Russian culture as communism began to take root. Along with a transformation of Russian civilization came the remodeling of the Russian citizen, a new archetype with particular qualities that became idealized for all Soviet citizens. Leon Trotsky claimed, "Man will make it his purpose to master his own feelings, to raise his instincts to the height of consciousto create a higher social biologic type a superman." The New Soviet citizen upheld a Nietzschean-like disposition while enthusiastically supporting the spread of the socialist revolution. However, the formation of the "New Soviet" figure was not simple ideology. There is a history associated with flesh-and-bone individuals trying to rise to this new standard, and there was a real struggle to reshape the nation, due to rapidly changing societal conditions.
Feodor Gladkov calls attention to the human side of these individuals and points out the difficulty in rising to the incredibly high standards of the New Soviet citizen. In his novel Cement, Gladkov presents the struggle of finding equality, coping with the brutal history that shaped the minds of Soviet citizens, and rebuilding a social and familial structure that fits within the new framework of communism. Gladkov points out that perhaps the notion of a Utopian paradise or a perfect Soviet citizen is not possible, even if all the right steps are taken. In particular, Feodor Gladkov's novel represents the struggles of post-Revolutionary construction in a Russian village and includes insight into the minds of his characters, giving us a glimpse into the real Soviet citizen.
Throughout the novel, Gladkov provides the reader with a window for understanding the emotions of Gleb and Dasha Chumalov, the main characters.
