The Lure of Russia is absolutely mesmerizing. It belongs to an exceedingly rare genre which combines scholarly rigor with a warm personal touch, and is replete with acute observations and glorious vignettes.
The style is so far removed from the turgid scholastic tomes by high-brow professional Russia-watchers that even lazy students would be thrilled to read it and learn a thing or two about Russia’s history, politics, society and especially daily life of its people.
I couldn’t have agreed more with the analysis and conclusions. Sociological surveys and opinion polls do point to the difference in perception of self, Russia, and the world among 20- and 30-year olds in that country, the former being more optimistic, upbeat and patriotic (in the good sense of the word). I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the encounters with harbingers of Russia’s future.
*****
I loved the entertaining anecdotal accounts of your travels, and thought your overviews of art, music, literature and politics were excellent. And I revelled in the personal stories.
*****
You have produced a really valuable contribution to our knowledge of Russia, from a unique perspective, full of information, and in a readable personal style, with touches of humor, not omitting the intimate details of things that almost went wrong!
*****
Your early experience with the children is quite unique, particularly as it took place in the early years of Russia’s latest major upheaval.
*****
The Lure of Russia was a page-turner for me. it is a valuable source of information, presented in such an intelligent manner. You have covered so much of Russia’s history and related those very personal stories.
*****
I am enjoying your book so very much – the only problem is I have to drop everything else and carry on reading. It is certainly one of the best travel books I’ve ever read – it has everything: a narrative, fascinating information, vividly drawn characters, ‘edge-of-your-seat’ situations, an energetic style and wonderful humour, all giving superb insights into the country, the people, and your own experiences. I have total admiration for your adventurous spirit, your wide knowledge, and very engaging style.
*****
It touched me to the depths of my soul
*****
I really enjoyed your book – it was informative, balanced and entertaining. I was particularly interested in your sections on the politics and Putin, because they matched up with opinions given in the course I did on Russian politics a few years ago
*****
How well you have captured the whole feel of the enormous changes taking place.
*****
It really moves along, and your author voice is clear and distinct, without being preachy or didactic.
*****
I have never been to Russia but I thought you really captured the sense of what it must be like to travel there – and to live there! It helped me understand your fascination with the place.
*****
‘The Lure of Russia’ is a magnificent book. It is beautifully written without ever going into literary language. It is a book from the heart with a good deal of historic information. The chapters about the experience your Russian friends had with the transition from communism to capitalism makes it possible to creep into the skins of these people.