Sovietstan: Travels in Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan by Erika Fatland (2019)

Erika Fatland's Sovietistan: Travels in Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan offers a captivating journey through the lesser-known corners of Central Asia, countries born from the Soviet Union's collapse. Inspired to read this after encountering Fatland's later work, The Border (2020), which explores Russia's border nations, I was drawn to Sovietistan for its focus on these enigmatic "newest countries in the world."

Fatland's prose is engaging and vivid, skillfully blending historical context with her own colorful travel experiences. From the surreal landscapes of Turkmenistan to the rugged beauty of Kyrgyzstan, she paints a rich portrait of each nation's unique identity, weaving in the complex post-Soviet history that shaped them. For readers unfamiliar with the region—like myself—the book is an eye-opening revelation, illuminating the political upheavals, social shifts, and environmental challenges that followed the Soviet Union's dissolution.

However, Sovietistan carries a sobering weight. Fatland doesn't shy away from the region's struggles, including political oppression, economic hardship, and environmental devastation, which can make for a heavy read. While this depth adds substance, it also lends a melancholic tone that may leave readers reflective rather than uplifted.

In summary, Sovietistan is a compelling and informative travelogue, blending adventure with stark realities. Fatland's storytelling makes it a worthwhile read for those curious about Central Asia, though its darker themes temper its appeal. 3/5 Stars.

Shadow of the Silk Road (2007)

In this captivating travelogue, a renowned writer and scholar embarks on a vivid exploration of the Silk Road's ancient routes, weaving together past and present. With a keen eye, he traverses diverse regions, offering concise, engaging summaries of their historical significance. He searches for echoes of this rich past in the customs, faces, and landscapes of today's inhabitants, creating a compelling narrative that bridges centuries.

This book is a must-read for anyone eager to discover how history's shadows shape the vibrant cultures of the modern Silk Road. Clear, insightful, and beautifully written, it invites a broad audience to journey through time. 4/5 Stars.

Travel

I enjoy leisure travel.  As I mentioned previously here, 

I want not only to see the sites when I travel, but also smell the diesel fumes, taste authentic street food, and hear the "flavor" of local dialects.  But more than that I want to feel and viscerally experience the attitudes, values, opinions, and sensibilities of the locals, to "get into their heads."  I love to experience the culture, not just observe it.

So when I came across this (long) gem of travel tips from the founder of Wired magazine, I read it with much interest.  Kevin Kelly breaks travel down into "rest and relaxation" (R&R), engagement and experience (E&E), and business travel.  He gives many small bits of advice for each type of travel with wisdom gained from his own hard-won "quantity time" traveling and thoughtful introspections.  If you enjoy traveling, check out the article.

Die Fahrt von Sibylle Berg (2009)

Dieses Buch erinnert mich an James Micheners The Drifters aus dem Jahr 1971. Beide Romane stellen eine Gruppe junger Menschen und ihre Erfahrungen in verschiedenen Kulturen in den Mittelpunkt.

Bergs Buch entführt uns auf eine Reise um die Welt und legt den Fokus auf benachteiligte Menschen, die nach dem Sinn des Lebens suchen und darum kämpfen, ihre Lebensumstände zu verbessern. Als jemand, der Geschichten aus dem wahren Leben besonders schätzt, empfand ich Bergs Schreibstil als äußerst fesselnd. Jede Vignette zog mich tief in die Welt der Charaktere hinein.

Allerdings ist der gesamte Ton des Buches recht düster. Im Gegensatz zu Micheners Werk, das seine Auseinandersetzung mit sozialen Problemen durch Momente der Hoffnung ausgleicht, präsentiert Berg eine durchweg pessimistische Perspektive. Obwohl die Beobachtungsgabe und der Erzählstil des Autors beeindruckend sind, empfand ich den ständigen Fokus auf Leid und die scheinbare Aussichtslosigkeit, dauerhaftes Glück zu finden, als belastend.

Trotz der Schwere seiner Themen regt das Buch zum Nachdenken an und ist handwerklich gut geschrieben. Wenn Sie anspruchsvolle Lektüre schätzen, die einen ungeschönten Blick auf globale Ungleichheiten und menschliche Probleme wirft, werden Sie Bergs Werk vermutlich fesselnd finden. Wenn Sie jedoch eine aufbauende Geschichte suchen, ist dieses Buch möglicherweise keine geeignete Wahl.

Ich bewundere Bergs schriftstellerisches Talent und die Intensität seiner Erzählweise. Dennoch hinterließ die unnachgiebige Trostlosigkeit des Buches bei mir einen bedrückenden Eindruck. 3 von 5 Sternen.