pickThis is my favorite novel of all times. I have given it to several people. I have reread it twice and it is about time to do so again. I admit it‘s a novel from a different time and carried special meaning for a lot of readers behind the Iron Curtain. When I read it for the first time I was not aware that 100 pages had been censored in the East German translation - too political. I have read the full book since then.
Gul'sary means buttercup. This beautiful golden stallion used to be the fastest in his part of Kyrgyzstan (or the USSR state of Kyrgyzia as it was then), but now, he is old and dying, as is his human (owner is not the right word, as a) he is quite independent and b) collectivisation). Chingiz Aitmatov is one of my favourite authors, so I have high hopes for this novel 🐎
Photo: Maria Itina
pickI thoroughly enjoyed this travelogue describing a Norwegian journalist‘s travels through #Turkmenistan, #Kazakhstan, #Tajikistan, #Kyrgyzstan, and #Uzbekistan. She describes some of the travel itself, basic history, political aspects, culture, and personal stories of people she met.
#nonfiction #audiobook #ReadingTheWorld #ReadTheWorld #translated
I listened to the section of this book about Kazakhstan and part of the Tajikistan section this weekend on my walks and continue to find it incredibly interesting. Additionally, I needed an excuse to share this fun up close photo of Luthien enjoying her walk.
#nonfiction #Kazakhstan #Tajikistan #ReadTheWorld #ReadingTheWorld #audiobook #audiowalk #DogsOfLitsy
This book has been on my TBR since I first saw it reviewed here and in my Audible library for a bit. I finally started listening on a beautiful fall walk with Luthien today and enjoyed the first section on Turkmenistan.
#ReadTheWorld #ReadingTheWorld #Turkmenistan
#audiobook #nonfiction #audiowalk
pickIt was really interesting read about part of the world no one is really talking about. I've made some notes and I'm keen to learn more.
pickErika Fatland traveled through the Central Asian former Soviet Stans and relates here her travels, some history, and current events in the area. I thought this was fascinating. She did a good job of varying the information so it didn‘t get bogged down. This was a great book to wrap up #ReadingAsia2021. #Tajikistan
Am I the only one who can only think of Spies Like Us when I see Dushanbe? 😂
“The Stans are at a crossroads. Should they forge closer links with Russia or China, or look to the West? Which interpretation of their own history should they trust?”
#Turkmenistan #Kazakhstan #Tajikistan #Kyrgyzstan #Uzbekistan
I didn't know about the censorship! 6mo