Sovietistan

Erika Fatland embarks on an extensive journey through Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, the five former Soviet republics of Central Asia. This travelogue offers a firsthand account of countries that gained independence in 1991, yet continue to grapple with the profound legacy of Soviet influence alongside their ancient histories and diverse cultures. Fatland navigates a region marked by authoritarian governments, economic shifts, and a complex interplay of tradition and modernity, revealing the unique character of each nation.

Through personal encounters and meticulous observation, Fatland provides insight into the daily lives of citizens, from those affected by bride snatching in Kyrgyzstani villages to shrimp gatherers on the shores of the desiccated Aral Sea, and human rights activists in Kazakhstan. She travels incognito in Turkmenistan, a country largely closed to journalists, and explores sites like the Polygon, where the Soviet Union conducted nuclear tests. This narrative illuminates the challenges and transformations within these often-overlooked lands, offering a perspective on how their past shapes their present.