The Siberians.

by Farley. Mowat

Release Date: June, 1971

Edition: Hardcover

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Why did communism collapse?

I envy Farley Mowat and his wife Claire for their journey throughout Siberia in the 19060's. Communism was roaring along very well, the Small People of the North (the Native Siberians who had small numbers) were holding on to the past and embracing the present. The State was, overall, welcoming to this Canadian writer, and the people were amazingly hospitable. Farley and Claire were able to see the Sleeping Giant as few others were able to, probably even most Soviet citizens.

While I read of the amazing technological wonders, the fantastic movement of goods, the incredible food and drink, the wonderful education that anyone was able to get, I had, in the back of my mind a huge dose of skepticism. A Soviet explained to the author that *they* knew what was propaganda and what was the truth, whereas North Americans are just the opposite, swallowing marketing and political propaganda without guile. Because the US government is in the midst of a propaganda war, that people actually believe Fox news, that the US has been involved in another oil war, well, yes, I can believe that. I do worry about the path the North of Asian Russia has taken since the fall of communism and what the US style capitalists are doing to the well made plans of the 1960's.

I recommend this book, although it is not an easy nor quick read. The author complains about being bogged down in statistics from proud Siberians, and I felt the same way from him. Some of the organisation seemed a bit scattered; we seemed to return to similar themes, yet in different settings. It was also impossible to tell where the author went on which trip, or even how many trips he took to Siberia. Overall, that doesn't matter I suppose.

Anything but boring!

What a shame that this book is out of print. It tells of the once-forgotten Small Peoples of the Far North, who live on the frozen tundra. It is masterfully written with understanding, respect and shared love. Through education and respect for the land, Siberia has grown and prospered, perhaps more than any other region of what was then the Soviet Union. This book calls for an up-to-date sequel to show what has happened in and to Siberia since the collapse of the USSR.