If I remember correctly, I got this book at the English Book Swap meeting in Vere Park during the first Covid summer. I had wanted to read it for ages in order to learn more about the background of that notorious escape attempt.

This was supposed to be a novel based on a true story, but most of the time felt more like non-fiction, simply an account of events. As a novel, it could have been done better. My main gripe with the English translation, however, is that it’s peppered with grammar mistakes/spelling errors/typos, which sometimes made for frustrating reading. I have never read a book that so desperately cried out for an editor.

Nevertheless, it is a worthwhile read, if only to learn more about the grim reality of life under the Soviet regime, and the intriguing and sad events surrounding that particular episode of Georgian history. At under 200 pages it is also a quick read and I recommend it for everyone interested in Georgian or Soviet history.

Passed on to my friend Emma, who might take it to a Tbilisi English Book Swap meeting or release it elsewhere in the city.

I read this in an older edition and had hoped they would fix some of the egregious mistakes in the translation, but it seems like they didn't. Here's my full review of the book: https://cookiesandthecaucasus.wordpress.com/2015/12/01/book-review-flight-from-the-u-s-s-r-%E1%83%AF%E1%83%98%E1%83%9C%E1%83%A1%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1-%E1%83%97%E1%83%90%E1%83%9D%E1%83%91%E1%83%90/

Reserving for the "Authors from Unusual Countries" sweepstakes.

Had reserved this for the "Authors from Unusual Countries" sweeps, but the winner was in a country that Georgian Post just does not serve, period. SO... I ordered another Georgian book to be sent to the winner and will bring this to tonight's meeting of the Tbilisi English Book Swap at Lokal. If no one picks it up at the meeting, it will remain on the shelves.

I picked this up at the monthly book swap at Lokal. It was a fascinating read! Will bring it to the next book swap and pass it along!