Book Log 2021 #29: Sovietistan by Erika Fatland

In this book, the author travels alone through the five Central Asian countries that were formerly Soviet republics - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - to understand how each has sought to balance their ancient cultures with the realities of the post-Soviet world.  

The journey is not always easy. Start with the logistical challenges that spring up trying to get around this part of the world. Add in that Fatland is a female traveling alone in what is sometimes fairly conservative Islamic territory. Then add in that she's a journalist, which if known would prevent her from being able to enter at least one of these countries. That the author is able to get the stories she does, and can talk to people as freely as one can in these countries, makes for a very engaging book.