Russia

Russia is a massive book: sprawling, ambitious and richly detailed. Jonathan Dimbleby's subtitle is A Journey to the Heart of a Land and its People, and fears that he might have bitten off more than he can chew (both in this book and its accompanying TV series) are quickly allayed. What is most impressive about the book is its canny synthesis of a variety of genres: travelogue, history, social document: Russia is all of these and more, with the personal voice of the narrative by Dimbleby particularly illuminating, as he struggles to come to terms with the contradictions in this fascinating and infuriating country. It is, as the author says, a country that straddles half the globe, and contains a daunting amount of cultural and religious diversity. All of this is examined here, but any sage judgements are never delivered in sober-sided fashion -- we're always caught up in the drama of Dimbleby's journeys.

The author crossed eight time zones and covered 10,000 miles, from Murmansk in the Arctic Circle to the Asian city of Vladivostok. He travels by every available method: rail, road and sea, and manages to experience all the splendours and the miseries of this amazing country. But although the contours of the locales are conjured up with maximum vividness, there are also fascinating portraits of all the Russians that Dimbleby encounters, from intellectuals and struggling peasants to the new breed of fantastically successful entrepreneurs (many of whom, of course, are now making their home in London). The colour illustrations are well chosen, but it's the text that succeeds in taking the reader on this epic journey -- a journey that will transform completely most people's apprehension of the country. --Barry Forshaw.

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View books by Jonathan Dimbleby.

Erroneous and misapprehending - Rated
After quick first reading I have found how difficult it could be for a West foreigner to learn Russia without more or less good knowledge of Russian language. That is good lesson for Russian authorities if especially they want to attract investments more actively and thus to reopen the country, make it easier to be understood.

In many aspects, the book is full with illusions and stereotypes. The author as a representative of older generation tries to find answers for questions which have been relevant to this audience. This book heads into wrong direction. Worst of all, such the attitude is very close to position of official London.

For example, the author describes Mikhail Khodorkovsky as a man who "worked to create genuine multi-party democracy and strengthen civic institutions". But on the contrary, most of Russians consider him as an intriguer, the man who manipulated the state parliament for his own wealth and power. He has been somewhat analogous to Thomas Howard 4th duke of Norfolk in medieval England, whose destiny was to go under axe of executioner.

I wish the author next time learn languages before depicting countries.

Not that well presented - Rated
For the RRP of £25.00 this is certainly a goodly price. The book is a hardcover interspersed with photographs. I was expecting something more like Palins 'New Europe' ie lots of nice colour photography throughout and beautiful presentation. This is relatively dull in the way it is presented and I dont think offers such good value unless it is on sale. However the writing is interesting and there are not that many travelogues of Russia at the moment. Jonathon doesn't really delve as deep as he should into the real Russia and goes for a lot of the obvious, which was a bit of a wasted opportunity. For a really really good read about the USSR read Ryziard Kapucinski's which is absolutely brilliant and offers amazing insights into modern history, all written courageously and at huge risk to the author during a time when westerners were not particularly welcome in that part of the world.

Good Read - Rated
This book is an interesting guide to modern Russia. Very good for people like myself who had little prior knowledge of Russia and the history of its politics and the public opinion that surrounds that. Don't expect too much from this book if you consider yourself an expert as similar topics do reappear but in different regions of the country. Overall an interesting look at the cultural diversity of the worlds biggest country.

Disappointing - Rated
I was initially enjoying this book, but Dimbleby's constant lecturing tone to his hosts and readers about anything related to politics or history becomes extremely grating after a while.."How dare you have something good to say about Putin!!"

Disappointing and unimpressive - Rated
A superficial and somewhat patronising take on Russia. Dimbleby's opinion's are uninsightful - he is not really worthy of the subject. Too many cliches and received opinions make this book seem amateurish. Ultimately a rather boring read.