E. de Boer Bücher

An unmitigated treat for the fans of the first <b>Bazaar</b>, this sequel features Theroux's epic journey taken thirty years ago, a vast loop by train through Eastern Europe, Turkey, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, China, Japan, and Siberia. Over three decades, Asia has transformed dramatically: the Soviet Union has collapsed, China has risen, India booms, Burma struggles, and Vietnam thrives despite past turmoil. Theroux embarks on a 25,000-mile adventure, traveling as locals do—by train, car, bus, and foot. His journey begins in Eastern Europe, still recovering from Communism, moves through dynamic Turkey, and into the Caucasus, where Georgia faces challenges while Azerbaijan thrives on oil wealth. As he ventures deeper into Asia, encounters become increasingly surreal. He explores Turkmenistan, an isolated society under a comically egotistical dictator, and Uzbekistan, a harsh authoritarian regime. Retracing his steps through India, Myanmar, China, and Japan, he offers sharp insights into the changes these countries have experienced. Brilliant, caustic, and utterly addictive, this work showcases Theroux at his finest.