viktoriya's review against another edition
4.0
Got this book via free giveaway on Goodreads. I knew it was on the way, but didn't expect to get a personal note from the author as well as a signed copy of the book :) Extra point for that!
I was born and grew up in Ukraine. Moved to US when I was about 20, but do visit with family almost every year. After almost two decades of back-and-forth trips I can certainly identify with the author. I started reading the book knowing that almost nothing in it will surprise or shock me.
When I got this book and started flipping through the pages, almost as if by faith, it opened on a chapter about public toilets. I broke into almost uncontrollable laughter. Here is why: last year I took my husband of almost two years (my American-born husband) to Ukraine on his very first trip to the "Soviets". After experiencing the home-made moonshine, rides in crowded trolleys or busses, after being force-fed everywhere he went, or trying to fit himself in tiny cars (my husband is 6'6), the only thing that still gives him shivers is having the need to use a public restroom in Kiev auto station. And that's after he was already "familiar" with a typical Ukrainian outhouse. Needless to say, I just had to read this chapter first and parts were read out loud to him. We both had a good laugh at how similar the experience was for him and for the author. (BTW, one more extra point to the author for mentioning my hometown Zhitomir. Kind of wish it wasn't in the chapter about public toilets, but, as the say in America "even bad publicity is good")
The book itself is a collection of short stories centered around one theme or experience. Those little chapters are independent from one another and the reader can simply jump to the topic that interests him or her the most. I read the book from A to Z and as result, some things got repetitive: average salary of $250 is mentioned about 50 times, average size of typical apartments and it's comparison to American living rooms is also mentioned on almost every page, etc.
Nevertheless, it was a joy to read this book. Certain things are so deeply ingrained in me that I don't even realize it and it was neat to have an almost "outside" view of them: I always have to take one last look at the mirror before I leave my house, lint on my clothes drive me crazy, I have to sit on my suitcases before departing on any trip (short or long), I always shoosh my husband when he tries to whistle inside the house and he is required to take his street shoes off when he is at home. All those little things are part of me, that's "po-nashemy" (our way). I don't need to know WHY I am doing certain things, I just know that's the way :) Good or bad.
Some people who are thinking about making their first trip to Russia or Ukraine will probably change their mind after reading this book. They will probably scratch their plans to visit the "Soviets" and will go somewhere "American". If they do, they will miss out on a lot of unforgettable experiences. Yes, things are not all rosy and fragrant smelling in Ukraine or Russia. However, one thing that always shocks me and makes me want to come back year after year, is the ability of any Slav to really enjoy life. They are barely surviving on their meager salaries, they hate their living situations, they are depressed, sick, underappreciated, but everything is put aside when its time to get together with a friend or two. The simple resourcefulness and creativity that Slav women (and men) display in creating several course meals out of almost nothing with very limited warning always shocks and humbles me.
Let me give you some advise if you are contemplating your first visit to Russia or Ukraine: read this book, get your feet wet before you step on the plane, prepare for the worst, and then go and enjoy your trip. Because you will! And remember the most important thing: Moscow is NOT Russia and Kiev is NOT Ukraine. After you are done with all your "required" sightseeing, leave Moscow or Kiev, go to small, provincial tows or villages. Yes, you will not find Kremlin there, but you will find something much more precious: the true Russian or Ukrainian heart and soul!
I was born and grew up in Ukraine. Moved to US when I was about 20, but do visit with family almost every year. After almost two decades of back-and-forth trips I can certainly identify with the author. I started reading the book knowing that almost nothing in it will surprise or shock me.
When I got this book and started flipping through the pages, almost as if by faith, it opened on a chapter about public toilets. I broke into almost uncontrollable laughter. Here is why: last year I took my husband of almost two years (my American-born husband) to Ukraine on his very first trip to the "Soviets". After experiencing the home-made moonshine, rides in crowded trolleys or busses, after being force-fed everywhere he went, or trying to fit himself in tiny cars (my husband is 6'6), the only thing that still gives him shivers is having the need to use a public restroom in Kiev auto station. And that's after he was already "familiar" with a typical Ukrainian outhouse. Needless to say, I just had to read this chapter first and parts were read out loud to him. We both had a good laugh at how similar the experience was for him and for the author. (BTW, one more extra point to the author for mentioning my hometown Zhitomir. Kind of wish it wasn't in the chapter about public toilets, but, as the say in America "even bad publicity is good")
The book itself is a collection of short stories centered around one theme or experience. Those little chapters are independent from one another and the reader can simply jump to the topic that interests him or her the most. I read the book from A to Z and as result, some things got repetitive: average salary of $250 is mentioned about 50 times, average size of typical apartments and it's comparison to American living rooms is also mentioned on almost every page, etc.
Nevertheless, it was a joy to read this book. Certain things are so deeply ingrained in me that I don't even realize it and it was neat to have an almost "outside" view of them: I always have to take one last look at the mirror before I leave my house, lint on my clothes drive me crazy, I have to sit on my suitcases before departing on any trip (short or long), I always shoosh my husband when he tries to whistle inside the house and he is required to take his street shoes off when he is at home. All those little things are part of me, that's "po-nashemy" (our way). I don't need to know WHY I am doing certain things, I just know that's the way :) Good or bad.
Some people who are thinking about making their first trip to Russia or Ukraine will probably change their mind after reading this book. They will probably scratch their plans to visit the "Soviets" and will go somewhere "American". If they do, they will miss out on a lot of unforgettable experiences. Yes, things are not all rosy and fragrant smelling in Ukraine or Russia. However, one thing that always shocks me and makes me want to come back year after year, is the ability of any Slav to really enjoy life. They are barely surviving on their meager salaries, they hate their living situations, they are depressed, sick, underappreciated, but everything is put aside when its time to get together with a friend or two. The simple resourcefulness and creativity that Slav women (and men) display in creating several course meals out of almost nothing with very limited warning always shocks and humbles me.
Let me give you some advise if you are contemplating your first visit to Russia or Ukraine: read this book, get your feet wet before you step on the plane, prepare for the worst, and then go and enjoy your trip. Because you will! And remember the most important thing: Moscow is NOT Russia and Kiev is NOT Ukraine. After you are done with all your "required" sightseeing, leave Moscow or Kiev, go to small, provincial tows or villages. Yes, you will not find Kremlin there, but you will find something much more precious: the true Russian or Ukrainian heart and soul!
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