This book investigates the complex patterns and driving forces behind population redistribution within the Soviet Union during its formative and developmental periods. Drawing on extensive demographic data and historical analysis, Lewis examines the state's role in shaping settlement patterns, the impact of industrialization and collectivization on internal migration, and the resulting socio-economic consequences across different regions.

This work is recognized as a significant academic contribution to the study of Soviet demographics and internal migration. Scholars have noted its comprehensive use of data and its detailed examination of the state's influence on population movements. The book provides a foundational understanding of the forces that shaped the Soviet Union's demographic landscape.