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5 comments about Vodka, Tears, and Lenin's Angel: My Adventures in the Wild and Woolly Former Soviet Union.

1. ... I have to agree that this book doesn't say much about Russia. It's kinda fun, in its own way, but the coverage of some of the major world events of the 1990s is so superficial as to leave the reader wondering if the author really understands the importance of what was happening in Russia. Stories about taxi drivers and neighbors don't really tell you much about anything, and even something that could have been fun and interesting like the interview with Lee Harvey Oswald's wife doesn't deliver the way it should. ...

   What's good about this book? It's a fast read, it isn't difficult to understand, even without a basic understanding of Russia. But, that's about it. There are so many better books about this period out these days, so I can't recommend this one.




2. As a young woman in my late-20s with a passion for politics, travel, and brainy adventure -- I couldn't recommend this book more highly... I looked forward to reading each chapter: each one a portrait of a people and a culture, painted so vividly I felt like I could jump right in. I read this book for the first time a few years ago... it was a gift that I received before beginning my own adventures in grad school where I'm studying Eastern European politics. Of the many books I have read about Russia, this remains my favourite -- Gould's down-to-earth writing style, lively descriptions, as well as the sensitivity and warmth she brings to her subjects -- are nothing short of inspiring. Not only have I read this book many times over the past few years, but also it remains a favourite to give as gifts for friends... Go ahead, take the journey to the FSU with a funny, bright, clever and downright wonderful writer... it'll be the best armchair adventure you'll ever take!!!



3. This is not a profound book. Though at times comical and endearing it reads a bit like an extended tabloid column. There is a tendency at trivializing the events in the former soyuz (the union) with the aim of offering us a pastiche of civil society there, but there is little effort to go beyond the events. The post-modern title is very telling in that sense.



4. I read this book soon after it came out, as a middle school student. I remember being fascinated by the author's experiences and depictions of life in post-soviet Russia. I went on to study political science, become fluent in Russian, and pursue a masters in Russia itself. I remembered this book recently, though I've not seen it since I first read it, and I was compelled to get a copy... remembering how initially enthralled I once was. Perhaps due to age... personal experiences... etc, this book is just not as good as I remembered. I almost wish I had not gone back to read it, as I was a little disappointed.
   I still have to give it four stars, however, for the immense influence the book had on my own life. I think it's an account that is not going to appeal to anyone who is knowledgeable in Soviet studies or Eastern Europe etc... particularly from an academic standpoint. However, as an adventure story... of another young girl to whom I related at one point, it's an interesting read and a good story.



5. Author spoke bad to no Russian and hung around gleaning her 'wisdom' about the country from the likes of english-speaking cab drivers. the worst and most tiresome crutch of a linguistic naif in a foreign country is to look for local color from a cab driver. Plenty of fluent Russianists wrote during this era; seek them out instead.

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