The Exile: Sex, Drugs, and Libel in the New Russia

by Edward Limonov, Matt Taibbi, Mark Ames

Release Date: April, 2000

Edition: Paperback

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Excellent book

Both me and my wife had read this book, and we both agree that this is by far the best account of life in Russia in the 1990s. The book is so interesting and so well written it is impossible to put it aside once you start reading it. It coveres wide range of topics from politics/corruption to the evolution of moscow drug scene. I lived in Moscow and later studied many of the same events in university, so I know that what the authors are telling is pretty much what happened. It was fascinating to read about the expat community and the way foreign journalists worked in Russia. It explains many of the articles I read in LA times!

To answer question of the previous reviewer, the reason why both authors spend some time describing their own lives, is so that you can understand what drove them to Russia. It is very important to understand the huge difference between the mentality of Russians and most Westerners.

Also, be prepared that this book is far from being politically correct. If you're a woman, most likely you will be offended by some of the passages. There are some extremely sexist things in this book. However, I think one should study them because they
reflect the untold feelings of many men.
Enjoy!

Schmoozing with the Enemy

As a former Moscow resident, I was in many a run-in with authors Ames and Taibbi, and not always on friendliest of terms. Indeed, no small amount of the titular libel in "the eXile: Sex, Drugs, and Libel in the New Russia," their tell-all book about the decadent glory days of mid-90s Moscow, is directed toward yours truly and the boys' longstanding feud with myself -- so it seems they're still earning points at my expense! Even if most of what they say about me is exagerated, if not falsehood, I hold no grudges. For in spite of all their showy spleen and venting of frivolous personal vendettas, Ames and Taibbi can't help but write about the Moscow they love with a warmth and glow that is unmatched anywhere. From the get-rich-quick schemes, to the shady deals, to the fast living and fancy cars and, yes, the prostitutes, this book describes it all to a T -- with wit, compassion, and honesty. Of course, if you were there in Moscow in the mid-to-late 1990s you probably don't need to read the book -- you lived the dream. But for all others, this book is as close as you'll probably come to having been there in the flesh. My Moscow gone by... I miss it so.