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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
"An intrepid traveller who also writes beautifully, with wit and erudition."-"Spectator"
Book Description
'I would rather read Colin Thubron than any other travel writer alive on central Asia' John Simpson, Daily Telegraph
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
34 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
When I read this book I had to carry a pencil around with me to underline phrases and sentences, the odd turn of phrase. I never wanted it to end and I thought he was writing just for me, just to entertain me and to tell me a story. It comes across as intimate - the writing is so emotive and sentient.
To me, this is what travel writing, indeed writing, is all about.
To me, this is what travel writing, indeed writing, is all about.
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Colin Thubron, I wish I was carrying your backpack for you on these journeys. Among the Russians made me laugh, this book made me drool! I have worked extensively in the Caspian region and you write what I live!For lovers of travel writing - buy this book!
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Colin Thubron explored the western Asian countries - Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kirghizstan, and Kazakshtan, all of which were formally governed and administered by the Soviet Union.
He provides an outstanding account of people, history, religious activities, and culture of a vast region in line with history and politics. It is interesting to note how Stalin intimidated Arabic speaking people and Islamic worshippers. He didn't only interrogate or penalise his suspects and people who had made comments about him. The people were also banned to use their language at home and schools, and sing at mosques. After the collapse of Soviet Union, they gained freedom of expressions. However, the number of production of literature and music pieces in their language have not been rising. Mr Thubron reveals that masses of people have lost their jobs after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and they have been experiencing difficulties of obtaining everyday items, all of them have high prices. Ostensibly, there are loads of potential artists who are unable to buy stationery items.
Colin Thubron met several Muslim communities, and finds the reasons that they are one of the most strict and resilient communities in the world. They believe that all Muslim worshippers will be able to live on after their death if they have faithfully carried out their prayers five times a day.
The author discovers the fact of the countries which are not easy for everybody to visit. It is a very entertaining book and a good item while sitting in an armchair, and makes you feel that there is no need to visit those countries experiencing difficulties of inefficient transport, as well as dealing with complicated bureaucracies.
He provides an outstanding account of people, history, religious activities, and culture of a vast region in line with history and politics. It is interesting to note how Stalin intimidated Arabic speaking people and Islamic worshippers. He didn't only interrogate or penalise his suspects and people who had made comments about him. The people were also banned to use their language at home and schools, and sing at mosques. After the collapse of Soviet Union, they gained freedom of expressions. However, the number of production of literature and music pieces in their language have not been rising. Mr Thubron reveals that masses of people have lost their jobs after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and they have been experiencing difficulties of obtaining everyday items, all of them have high prices. Ostensibly, there are loads of potential artists who are unable to buy stationery items.
Colin Thubron met several Muslim communities, and finds the reasons that they are one of the most strict and resilient communities in the world. They believe that all Muslim worshippers will be able to live on after their death if they have faithfully carried out their prayers five times a day.
The author discovers the fact of the countries which are not easy for everybody to visit. It is a very entertaining book and a good item while sitting in an armchair, and makes you feel that there is no need to visit those countries experiencing difficulties of inefficient transport, as well as dealing with complicated bureaucracies.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Not quite as good as "In Siberia"
I agree with the reviewers stating that this book is very well written. As in «In Siberia» Thubron comes though as a very gifted writer in «The lost heart of Asia». Read more
Published 2 months ago by Jan Øystein Thorsnæs
No match to other travel books
The book is extremely informative, as you'd expect from a marathon stint around Central Asia's "-stan" countries. Read more
Published 15 months ago by gwaan
Not a travel book
The subject matter was very interesting and I learned a lot about the history and culture of the old Russian countries (the 'Stans'). Read more
Published on 5 April 2009 by Cead mile Failte
fantastic cover illustrations
the new cover illustrations by Dorry Spikes (dotspikes.com) are so
beautiful! it's worth buying these books just for that.
beautiful! it's worth buying these books just for that.
Published on 22 Oct 2007 by A. Weckmann
Very dense and pretentios at times
There's no denying that Thubron is a wonderful writer; his language and the sense of place he creates is amazing - but i have to admit that i found this very hard work to get... Read more
Published on 31 Jan 2007 by Miss Hannah
fascinating insight into forgotten people and realms
A voyage of discovery among the peoples and countries of the central Asian former Soviet republics. A revealing insight into historic but little known cultures and with amazing... Read more
Published on 26 Nov 2000
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