The country was freed when the Soviet Union dissolved. However, the old powers were still waiting for a chance to snap back, while other bullies were already eyeing the oil and human resources — whether foreign powers, insecure and revenge-seeking neighbours, or homegrown dictators. People are trapped in bad governance, walking a tightrope to stay balanced and avoid falling.
Sounds familiar? A bomb is dropped to “end” a problematic leader. Now, instead of dealing with one bully, the place suddenly becomes a battleground for two or more. More death. More conflict.
This book is a travelogue that takes me to Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Belarus, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Moldova, and Ukraine. It zooms in to examine each country closely, and zooms out to help me comprehend what is happening today alongside the long history of conflicts.
I appreciate that Barnes lets his interviewees speak for themselves without being judgmental. I am able to listen and understand people from different points of view without immediately putting them into a “pro-whatever” box and calling it the end of the story.
Each country has its own freedom and justice warriors, despite the oppressive political climate, which is heartwarming and encouraging to read about. Especially in Ukraine:
“And to stand up again and again, despite the revolution never reaching the shores of the promised land.”
Another inspiring takeaway from the book is that in every country, there are people who show kindness and friendliness despite the grim situation. Most people cannot stop the bombs, but most of us have the ability to show kindness each day.
Thank you to @joelucbarnes and @elliottandthompson for the eARC via @netgalley.
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