christynhoover's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
5.0
I ADORED The Reindeer People.
After reading this anthropological work, I have a deep respect for the Eveny reindeer herders (of the Verkhoyansk Mtns of eastern Siberia) AND for the author wirh whom a mutual respect and friendship developed with the Eveny.
The work is brimming with descriptions of individuals whose way of life, sense of humor, ongoing concerns and relationship with their environment is captured for the general public (=me) in a way that is highly readable.
The author first visited the Eveny in 1988 when the USSR was a few years from "dissolving". So we hear how traditional herding practices adjusted to Soviet social & economic constructs in the 20th century. --Which is followed, of course, by the Eveny reindeer herders' attempts to adjust to POST-SOVIET political and economic realities. As readers, we have a window on the Eveny as they struggle to regain their cultural and economic footing.
A thoroughly fascinating read.
After reading this anthropological work, I have a deep respect for the Eveny reindeer herders (of the Verkhoyansk Mtns of eastern Siberia) AND for the author wirh whom a mutual respect and friendship developed with the Eveny.
The work is brimming with descriptions of individuals whose way of life, sense of humor, ongoing concerns and relationship with their environment is captured for the general public (=me) in a way that is highly readable.
The author first visited the Eveny in 1988 when the USSR was a few years from "dissolving". So we hear how traditional herding practices adjusted to Soviet social & economic constructs in the 20th century. --Which is followed, of course, by the Eveny reindeer herders' attempts to adjust to POST-SOVIET political and economic realities. As readers, we have a window on the Eveny as they struggle to regain their cultural and economic footing.
A thoroughly fascinating read.
danarsh's review against another edition
4.0
I had to read this for an anthropology class, but it was a very interesting look into a culture that most people know nothing about. I don't know that I would read it in my free time, but overall it was a very well written and informative book.
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