Books
by Colin Thubron
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Behind the Wall: A Journey Through China |
Published in 1987, this book is worth a whole library of books on the subject of China after the devastation of the Cultural Revolution. Thubron is a fearless traveller, whether on foot, bicycle, or train. In addition, he learned to speak Mandarin before leaving home. "Behind the Wall" is a travel book of intelligence and wit, beautifully written. You will find yourself hoping to read other travel books by this author . . .
(Sharron Calkins - bwl 91 Winter 2019) |
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In Siberia |
This is a first Thubron travel work for me. I am impressed. His sensitive writing combined with the vast, bleak subject-matter of Siberia gave me a sense of the surreal. A fascinating but largely grim adventure into a post-Soviet wilderness, you feel the huge weight of history and loss hanging over an impoverished and isolated people. I wonder how much has changed now but I am not sure I am brave enough to travel there and find out.
(Rebecca Howell - bwl 75 Winter 2015) |
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Shadow of the Silk Road |
Thubron took me on another long, fascinating journey. This time we follow some 7,000 miles of the old silk route, starting in the heart of China. This is a 21st century traveller meeting the ancient world. It is full of (mis)adventures, endurance and compassion, all of which are described in his beautiful writing. This book benefits from time set aside for a longer read - rather than a page or two at bedtime - if possible.
(Christine Miller - bwl 111 Winter 2022) |
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Shadow of the Silk Road |
This is one of the most immersive, interesting – and depressing – travel journals; but so fascinating. Colin Thubron writes beautifully and one is drawn along in his wake as he retraces an earlier journey following the Silk Road. He is travelling through places that ring in the imagination with glorious pasts; now derelict, run down – or great concrete sprawls. There are extraordinary tombs in the middle of nowhere – and over all the devastation of modern regimes. His knowledge is encyclopaedic. A wonderful read – but depressing
(Ferelith Hordon - bwl 111 Winter 2024) |
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The Amur River: Between Russia and China |
This must be one of the most remote, and arguably the bleakest, riverine experience. Aged 80, Thubron travels by horse, track, road, rail and river to follow the Amur from the Mongolian mountains through Siberia to the Pacific. For many thousands of miles, the river marks the border between totalitarian frenemies Russia and China. The Russian Far East would appear to have forsaken civilisation, not surprising after brutal regimes extending from Tsarist days to the present.
(Jeremy Miller - bwl 107 Winter 2023) |
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