The Border: A Journey Around Russia Through North Korea, China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, ... Finland, Norway, and the Northeast Passage

Norwegian author Erika Fatland takes the reader along the immense length of the Russian border in this well-written and insightful travel book. Fatland's writing style reminds me of the great travel writer Paul Theroux, as she visits and comments on remote places. Her observations and experiences make for interesting reading. From North Korea to Mongolia to Armenia to the Baltic States, and much in between, Fatland journeys across borders both welcoming and hostile, and encounters a fascinating mix of people. She also provides useful historical background on these countries, most of which have suffered through centuries of upheaval., especially the former Soviet Republics. For me this was the perfect armchair adventure travel book to read during the COVID era of travel restrictions.

Depressing overall, but well written.If you've come into some inheritance and are trying to decide on your extended vacation, the 3 that come up are Southeast Asia, Latin America, or for the Viking/Slavic fans, Eastern Europe.I encourage you to read this book first, and then go check out Bangkok or Medillin. You're welcome.

Would appreciate a better map. But the content of the book was most informative. The rest of the world needs to see how the border countries functioned in this mood.

Tremendous insight that resonates with current world situationHelps understand conflicts of Russia with its neighborsExcellent descriptive writingGreat travelogueLong but engaging

What an exciting and informative adventure the author leads the reader. Traveling thru numerous foreign/exotic destinations where the readers eyes are open to wonderful sights, the spirit of travel and adventure, meeting surprising novel people and getting to look into their lives. A fun historic tour of countries and learning how they developed thru good times and not so good times.

A nice addition to your travel literature book shelf.Ms. Fatland, a sensible but adventuresome Norwegian in her 30s, takes the chair-bound reader on a journey that circumnavigates Russia. Her story nicely mixes ancient history, current political events, and the personal stories of some of many people she meets on her hard travels. This is an enjoyable book, made all the more than suitable given the pandemic time of non-travel we are all now enduring.A delight of books such as these is the opportunity to acquire interesting random knowledge. For instance, the material on crossing the Black Sea help me understand for the first time its origins and importance.In the end, a reader comes away with a renewed appreciation for the physical size of the old Soviet Union and for the many human disruptions on its borderlands caused by czars and their heir Stalin. And, with Putin the border remains a pulsating one.

I love informative books on different countries of the world, particularly countries we are not all well acquainted with. It's travel in my comfortable chair with interesting historical facts about small relatively unknown countries without leaving home. I am a big fan of the writer, Erica Fatland.

Enjoyed it thoroughly! Geography, Economics, History and stories of the lives of each countries citizens all wrapped up in one.

Excellent read. Educational and interesting throughout.