A Train to Potevka (ISBN 1598720309)

Historical Perspective:
This book was written by an American Military Veteran, with a detailed perspective of the History of the Soviet Union. It is a treasure of information about real day to day relationships of the Soviet people and their government. Although names and place have been somewhat fictionalized, the meat of the story gives any reader a perspective into Soviet living. At one point the primary character in the story finds himself in a desperate situation, starving and unable to find food in a town that is between to major USSR cities. The town is almost completely vacant, yet personal virtues prevent him from stealing food from the vacated homes, which is actually one of the first thoughts I had when I read the town was empty. Even more intriguing is the reason the town is empty. Every American citizen should at least read the first few pages of this book just to see how and why economies can fail, our own economy is suffering - for example is the Soviet Union bent on making America feel the pain it felt or worse, and how might this happen. As a former military veteran myself, I find this book is powerful for uniting people to prevent a similar demise that destroyed a nation. Those who are so petty as to limit their perspective on the man's religion, are exactly the same kinds of perspectives that made Russia an Atheist state. Kudos to the Author - This story had to be told, now what about Sasha?

A penny is over priced.:
I appreciate that the author served our country. The book seems to go nowhere, it drones on and on. I was given a signed copy of the book and I felt cheated. At a penny the book is over priced and your time is better spent doing something else. I thru my copy of the book away it was so bad.

A good read....:
My daughter's book group read this book and she passed it on to me. I found the story very interesting and I had a hard time putting it down for two days. Although he is a first-time author, and you can tell, I found myself drawn into the story so much that I could feel the cold of the Russian winter. I wouldn't classify it as a "spy thriller" but more as a memoir of a significant experience in the author's life complete with his feelings and reflections during the time of the story. I did like the background information on Russia interspersed throughout the book. I also wonder how the box got there and although it seems far-fetched, stranger things have happened. Thanks for a good read. Are you going to tell us what happened to Sasha?

Gripping!:
I read "Potevka" while traveling across Russia on a train. The book was gripping and hard to put down. It's a fast, enjoyable, thrilling read.

A Train to Potevka:
This is a great book that keeps you interested from page one to the end. I think it would be interesting for readers of any age and gives everyone a window into the soviet world that is mind boggling.