Tuesday, June 29, 2010

The Island: A Journey to Sakhalin

by Anton Chekhov

A nineteenth century Russian travel account, this time written by a Russian with more than a little literary skill. Lots of interesting moments and small details that he chose to reflect on, as well as a number of caustic reflections on society within or beyond the penal colony. Also intriguing to see the extent to which it is itself gendered, and explores a lot of similar basic motifs as Western travelers do.
In any case, engaging and well formed account, even if it’s prone to redundancy and most listing than is truly necessary for the main presentation of this account.

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