I was initially enamored with this book, but that soon gave way to boredom. At first the lush descriptions, detailed stories of conversations and connections with along Thubron's route, and historical background of pre-, contemporaneous, post-Soviet times pulled me along; however, this quickly gave way what felt like a formulaic story: Thurbron arrives at a location, provides background, gives description of a connection or conversation, asks questions about the Soviets, asks questions about Islam (and the opinion on the veil for women), laments the lost past and traditions of the land, describes ruins/graveyards/factories, pities the economic challenges of the people (while commenting on how inexpensive everything is for him thanks to the glory of the British pound), and then goes on his way.

I would have liked more about the cities, nations, and people, and less about Thubron's awkwardness as an Englishman with an advantageous exchange rate in former Soviet republics.