Travels in Siberia
by Ian Frazier · first published 2010
6mentions
5recommended by
5HN commenters
2012–2026first – last mentioned
100% recommend
Why HN recommends it
Funny, observant travel writing about Siberia and the Russian far east, with a memorable comic episode involving a retired couple; praised as engaging and laugh-out-loud, and suited to readers who enjoy travelogues.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
Describes Frazier's research on and travels in Siberia.
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On a similar note, and for a great read, I highly recommend Ian Frazier's "Travels in Siberia." I found out about it because The New Yorker had published some excerpts from it, and I was instantly hooked. Frazier's writing is both engaging and laugh-out-loud hilarious. It was written several years…
on “Crossing 2000 Miles of Siberia to Reach One of the Most Isolated Cities on Earth” ↗There's a hilarious scene in Travels in Siberia where the author takes a trip to the Russian far east with a retired couple from California with extremely exacting dietary restrictions. At one point the old man is complaining loudly about all the money…
on “2012 Corruption Perceptions Index” ↗Crime and Punishment Leaves of Grass Persuasion Foundation The Diary of Lady Murasaki The Remains of the Day Travels in Siberia Anabasis A Brief History of Time The Rebel
on “Ask HN: What is the most mind expanding book(s) you have read till date?” ↗Travels in Siberia is a terrific book, as is Midnight in Siberia by David Greene. Both of those books inspired my own trip through Siberia: https://www.gregkogan.com/journal/russia-trans-siberian-rail...
on “Crossing 2000 Miles of Siberia to Reach One of the Most Isolated Cities on Earth” ↗Oh nice! I had read about this in the book Travels in Siberia (https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/7966160-travels-in-si...) which i believe i learned about in an HN comment. Full circle
on “Historical Telecommunications” ↗My impression (which is almost 100% from reading Ian Frasier's Travels in Siberia) is that nothing has a simple answer in Russia, and the question was probably ill-posed, but I appreciate everyone's reply. Even if the reports are contradictory, they help paint a picture.
on “Soviet College Admission — My Dad's Story (1970)” ↗