Through Siberia by Accident: A Small Slice of Autobiography - Hardcover

Murphy, Dervla

3.69

224 ratings by Goodreads

9780719566639: Through Siberia by Accident: A Small Slice of Autobiography

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0719566630 ISBN 13: 9780719566639

Publisher: John Murray, 2005

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Through Siberia by Accident is a book about a journey that didn't happen - and what happened instead.

Dervla Murphy never had any intention of spending three months in the vast territories of Siberia. Instead she had planned to go to Ussuriland, because it appealed to her as a place free from tourism. But by accident, or rather because she had an accident - a painful leg injury -, she found herself stymied in Eastern Siberia, a place she knew very little about. Although hardly able to walk, her subsequent experiences, in an unexpected place, and in an incapacitated state, provided many pleasant surprises. Above all she was struck by the extraordinary hospitality, generosity and helpfulness of the Siberians who made this strange phenomenon - a maimed Irish babushka - so welcome in their towns and homes.

This book is an extraordinary story of fortitude and resourcefulness as Dervla Murphy finds friendship and culture in a seemingly monotonous, bleak and inhospitable place far from what we know as 'civilised'. Through Siberia by Accident is a voyage of Siberian self-discovery.

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Review:

A great read, full of Dervla's usual verve and determination despite a very sore leg which stymied her onward journey. (Sunday Independent)

People half her age would balk at the marathon journeys undertaken, largely by foot and bike, by the formidable Dervla Murphy. (Belfast Telegraph)

Her 20th travel book, but reads as freshly as if it were her first. Told with characteristic spirit, this the is the story of the land, the people and the cheer (Wanderlust)

EIGHT FEET IN THE ANDES: 'One of the most joyous, positive and poetic voyages - physical, spiritual and environmental' (Irish Independent)

Relaxed, comfortable and personal ... this is an entertaining insight into a little travelled part of the world. (Adventure Travel)

Murphy's accidents give rise to a fascinating account ... her interest in everyone she meets seems to bring us into their cramped living rooms.' (Sunday Times)

An excellent work from the indefatigable, indomitable, incredible Irishwoman who's still traipsing around the weird and wonderful parts of the world at the age of 73. (Daily Mail)

One of Dervla Murphy's most considerable gifts is the ability to choose, get into, live in - and take us back to - places where the world is as it was and probably ever shall be. She is a connoisseur of lost Arcadias. (Times Literary Supplement)

'A magical revelation of the hidden corner of the world that is post-communist Russia' (Irish Times)

What emerges is a travelogue that questions our perception of what Siberia really is, and draws an intimate portrait of its people ... her warmth, fortitude and strength of character make for a compelling read. (Sunday Tribune)

Book Description:

A new adventure from an unconventional and much loved traveller and writer.

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