Azerbaijan Diary
A Rogue Reporter's Adventures in an Oil-Rich, War-Torn, Post-Soviet Republic
Ratings1
Average rating5
15
A Rogue Reporter's Adventures in an Oil-Rich, War-Torn, Post-Soviet Republic
Ratings1
Average rating5
In its first years as an independent state, Azerbaijan was a prime example of post-Soviet chaos - beset by coups and civil strife and astride an ethnic, political and religious divide. Author Goltz was detoured in Baku in mid-1991 and decided to stay, this diary is the record of his experiences.
Reviews with the most likes.
One of the best books i've read in my life (out of thousands, a lot about Ussr).
First, Goltz seems to understand very well both the “Oriental” (Ottoman) and the (post)Soviet mind. Quite different universes, both rarely understood by Westerners (even famous ones like Galeotti).
Second, i loved his tongue-in-the-cheek sense of humor, present throughout the book (a book about dark times, not to forget).
Third, his journalist writing is excellent: to the point, yet highly descriptive in few words. Even so, there are scenes excellently writer-style written - memorable and often tear-provoking.
And fourth: it is very captivating - so captivating that I'm praising it, even though (always and forever) myself being a pro-Armenian (hint: the book is from the Azeri - enemy's - perspective).
Will look for his other war diaries (Georgia and Chechnia) immediatly!
