Patrick Smith took a detour when he wrote In Search of the Russian Bear in 1984. This is not a novel; it is a true chronicle of a trip he and my mom, Iris, took through the Soviet Union, back when it was the Soviet Union. (Son Rick Smith writing this.)
When I first read this I was amused and quite honestly, shocked at some of the things Dad writes about. What I found most amusing was some of the traditional meals and toasts that they experienced. For example, when the host at a meal in Uzbekistan invites Dad to cut off pieces of a cooked goat’s head during the ceremonial lunch and give them to individuals around the table with an appropriate toast, he thought Mom would pass out. I’m happy to say she performed like a trooper!
It’s a fun and insightful look into the Soviet Union and their hosted experience there shortly before there was no more Soviet Union.
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Back in the USSR
During this period, Dad’s novel, Forever Island, gained considerable popularity in the Soviet Union. In 1983, Dad and Mom embarked on a journey across the Soviet Union and Uzbekistan, following an invitation from the Soviet Writers Union. He vividly recounts his experiences in this engaging and informative chronicle, sharing captivating stories and images as he crosses 9 time zones.
You’ll enjoy my dad’s unique brand of humor as well as heartfelt moments such as their experience being the guest of honor at that dinner in Uzbekistan. You’ll find many more like that throughout this travelogue. He also paints vivid pictures of places few of us Americans have seen or will see.
There is also much in this book for food lovers to enjoy as well. The descriptions of food, both Russian and Uzbekistan, are exceptional. In Search of The Russian Bear is an enthralling journey to exotic lands, shared by one of Florida’s great storytellers.
Final Thoughts
Smith shares in the book, “This story takes place in a time when the former Soviet Union was still very much the Soviet Union and was known throughout the Western World as “The Iron Curtain.” It was a land of mystery and intrigue and few Americans visited there except in guided tour groups. Fewer still were allowed to mingle freely with the people. This book is in no way a political treatise. It is a story of people, places, and things. Perhaps it will give the reader an intimate glimpse of ordinary, everyday people both in Russia and Middle Asia. Hopefully, it will also bring alive some fascinating places you may never have the opportunity to see first-hand.”
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