The Border - A Journey Around Russia

The Border: A Journey Around Russia by Erika Fatland is an enthralling exploration of the countries that share a border with the world's largest nation. Without setting foot in Russia itself, Fatland embarks on a profound journey to understand its immense influence and its complex relationships with its neighbours. From North Korea in the east to Norway in the west, she traverses a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, and histories, delving into the lives of people who live in these bordering regions.

As she moves through places like Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Ukraine, Fatland vividly portrays the rich tapestry of histories and contemporary realities that define these nations. She brings to life the dramatic and often tragic events that have shaped their paths, making connections to their present-day existence under the shadow of the Russian giant. Her narrative is both a personal travel memoir and a sweeping historical chronicle, offering readers an intricate view of a part of the world that is frequently misunderstood and under-explored.

"Erika Fatland [is] shaping up to be one of the Nordics' most exciting new travel writers" National Geographic

SHORTLISTED FOR THE STANFORDS DOLMAN TRAVEL BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020

"A hauntingly lyrical meditation to the contingencies of history" Wall Street Journal

"[An] impressive mix of history, reportage and travel memoir" Washington Post

Through her last three documentary books, which include works on terrorism in Beslan, the 2011 terror attacks in Norway, and post-Soviet Central Asia, social anthropologist Erika Fatland has established herself as a sharp observer and an outstanding interviewer. In The Border, she uses her keen insights and empathetic approach to capture the essence of these borderlands, providing a vivid and evocative picture of life on the periphery of an ever-expanding empire.

Translated from the Norwegian by Kari Dickson, this work maintains the lyrical quality and insightful depth of the original text. The Border is not just a travel book; it is a profound meditation on history, culture, and the enduring impact of a powerful neighbour.