Everyone in our family read the book, and it resonated with each of us in a different way. I especially liked the clear, straightforward language, which made the book easy to read. My husband was most impressed by Alexander’s perseverance and determination, while my daughter was fascinated by his life story as a whole. It gave us plenty to talk about.
Reader reviews
A very insightful book. Events take on a different meaning when they are recounted not only by a direct witness, but also by someone who belongs to the country and culture in which they unfolded.
The book also gives a fascinating background to Russia’s transformation from the centrally planned Soviet economy to the business environment of today, shedding light on how that transition unfolded and on both its opportunities and its costs.
Read the book over the weekend. Really enjoyed it! 👍 And a special shout-out for the part about finding meaning in life!
What an extraordinary life journey! The book is written in a lively, down-to-earth style. As I read it, so much felt familiar, almost as if I were talking to a friend.
A very honest and atmospheric book that leaves a lasting impression.
The memories of Russia in the 1990s feel like a lively conversation about the times, the people, the search for meaning, and those moments that change our lives.
This book really inspired me. It is written in a lively style, with vivid examples and a subtle sense of humour. It is the honest story of someone who repeatedly built a life from scratch in different countries, lost his status and familiar comforts, yet always found the strength to keep going.
We invest in our education and careers, and that undoubtedly matters. But the author also explores other long-term investments: what we do for the people around us. Our qualifications and skills give us a foundation to build on and some freedom to choose our path. And our colleagues, a close-knit team and, of course, our family help us persevere and inspire us to move forward.
This is a motivating and encouraging book. It will appeal both to those still finding their way and to those who have already experienced successes and setbacks but still have questions to explore and new goals to pursue. It reminds us that it is never too late to start again and change our lives.
I wholeheartedly recommend it!
I read the book and enjoyed it. From the outside, other people’s lives often look easy and straightforward. But then you realise how many difficult decisions they’ve made and how many times they’ve moved! And how much family support matters.
I would have liked to read more about the author’s family and how they settled into new countries and cities. These glimpses into their personal lives help you get a better feel for those times and understand how all those difficult decisions were made.
Thank you for the book!
The author and I are the same age, and I remember the atmosphere in Russia in the 1990s and early 2000s well. Reading about Novkom and the shoe factory brought back memories of those years. So much felt familiar. It’s an honest, straightforward account, without embellishment.
I liked the way the book was written. It was interesting to follow the author’s career, first in Russia and then in Europe. You read about someone else’s life and find yourself remembering your own.