The Spirit-Wrestlers

A fascinating and well-written insight into the Russian Soul, filled with interesting characters and anecdotes. For anyone that's spent any time in the former Soviet Union, you will find much to relate to in the book.

Philip Marsden travels through southern Russia and the Caucasus, mixing with the some of the more minor groups (ethnic and religious) - Doukhobors (‘spirit-wrestlers'), old believers, Mokolans, Yezidi and the Cossack groups. He also visits Georgia, Ossetia and meets Armenians. But more accurately, he writes about people. Constantly on the move, but always able to seek out people or a person to talk to, who will share their beliefs, their way of life, their culture with him. He finds a wealth of information from people from all strata of society, and seems equally at home with all.He also covers the history of the people, especially the Alan and the Scythians, and the cultural features of the area such as the old ages the people from the Caucasus reach.As an interesting overview, this book was enjoyable. He didn't stay in one place long enough to get too in-depth (which was fine), but as such this book didn't seem to have the same passion as his book [b:The Crossing Place: A Journey Among the Armenians 1117853 The Crossing Place A Journey Among the Armenians Philip Marsden https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1328121256s/1117853.jpg 1104880], which I enjoyed a little more.Still a good read, at 3 stars.