Robert Haupt

A snapshot of a Russia, following the collapse of the Soviet Empire, wrapped up in a journey down the Volga on a boat, and a river, that had seen better days. The story is a little chaotic, like the voyage, but the author builds up a picture of the Russian character through a series of unflattering vignettes, contemporary and historical. And yet, at the end of the day you get a sense that the author has a great deal of affection for Russia (or at least Russians), and he makes a case for interpreting the Russian character in the context of its own history, rather than of our expectations. Haupt was a long time Australian journalist, and this was also his last voyage, following a childhood dream.… (plus d'informations)