Ian Frazier explores the lure of Siberia
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
For almost 20 years writer Ian Frazier has been obsessed by a place which many people use as a metaphor for unpleasantness: Siberia.
Admittedly he's had some unpleasant experiences during his five trips there, but it's inspired him to write at length about the place, its history, even its name.
Frazier has collected his writings, many of them for the New Yorker magazine, in a new book called "Travels in Siberia."
His account includes stories of extreme heat, horrible insects, and terrible cold. He endured months of uncomfortable travel in the back of a van, hair-raising trips in bush planes and helicopters, and drank a tremendous amount of tea and vodka.
The book also includes details of Russian history, good and bad, and an affectionate exploration of the Russian character.
Frazier told Euan Kerr he is regularly asked why, of all places, Siberia?
He's still unsure how to answer.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.
Dear reader,
Your voice matters. And we want to hear it.
Will you help shape the future of Minnesota Public Radio by taking our short Listener Survey?
It only takes a few minutes, and your input helps us serve you better—whether it’s news, culture, or the conversations that matter most to Minnesotans.
