Customer Reviews

Through Siberia by Accident: A Small Slice of Autobiography

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am Russian. And I am all ears when it comes to foreigners trying to explore and explain the essence of this enormous country and its controversial folk. That is why I try not to miss such kinds of books. Mostly what I fish out is just a crusade for confirmation of deep rooted stereotypes/myths or very shallow account a-la Marco Polo.
I must say this book is a precious exception. With surprising astuteness she slices open the notorious "Russian soul" and identifies motives underlying many Russian behavior modes, views, philosophy etc.
All during the journey to the most godforsaken (or government/Moscow forsaken) places.
I am impressed! Many of her conclusions really stroke me and find the whole account astonishingly trustworthy.
Of course exposing some unpleasant features of current (or ancestral) mindset and collective unconscious might hurt some purists or idealists, but isn't bitter truth better than sweet fables?
I strongly recommend the book to all my foreign friends and for you as well.

Being a self confessed addict of all things Russian, I was expecting this book to be an interesting and satisfying read. While I wasn't disappointed on these fronts, I found the whole experience spoiled by the condescending and, I hate to say it, rather smug style of writing employed. Throughout the book the author, Dervla Murphy, demonstrates an almost obsessive need to insert little self-congratulating asides on how she shuns the trappings of the modern world and is such a successful 'earth mother'. It's certainly refreshing to find someone with such a strong conscience, however, when she starts listing the electrical appliances she doesn't own, it can become tedious.

The descriptions of the landscape, people and politics of this area are lovingly crafted and genuinely felt, but the whole tone of the book left me feeling sadly cold.

Dervla Murphy writes about her experiences with a great sense of humour and makes the reader share as fully as possible in her journey.

Very nice written English with a blend of humour, sarcasm and a sprinkling of history. My knowledge of Russia made the read that more interesting. Readers with no Russian background may find the book a little challenging and dis jointed

Although the places she visits are interesting she seems incredibly smug through the entire book about Microwave oven radiation, about cooking proper food, pollution drinking all sorts of stuff and Pivo is Piva