Laurence Mackinreviews Cold Bloodand Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania
Cold Blood. James Fleming.Jonathan Cape, £16.99
As the Bolshevik revolution tightens its grip across Russia, Charlie Doig embarks on a private war to track down Prokhor Glebov, a leading communist who has killed his wife. After divesting himself of his aristocratic trappings and attempting to blend into the background of the evolving society, Doig heads west aboard his own train, in pursuit of his quarry, who has been put in charge of the re-education of the imprisoned tsar and his family. This is a terrific tale told at blistering pace. As Doig’s armoured train pummels its way thorough the Russian heartland, Fleming lets his stylishly taut prose run riot across the page in an intelligent thriller that contains more than a few nods to his predecessors, including his uncle Ian. The author creates a perilous sense of adventure, with a strong flavour of incidental detail, and, although not a travel book, this novel balances the heedless adventure with some strong depictions of Russia and its cities as they struggle to cling to their identity. As it tears towards it conclusion it will have you hankering for your own adventure on a trans-Siberian express.
Estonia, Latvia Lithuania.DK Travel, £15.99
The Baltic states have been among the great discoveries for tourists in recent years. Far from being the drab, Soviet-soaked affairs that some expected, these are rich, vibrant and colourful countries with astounding scenery. This guide makes the most of their relatively unspoilt territory, from the virgin forests of Lithuania to Estonia’s stunning coastline. The highlights are studded with historical fact boxes, and the maps and illustrations are wonderfully involving.
lmackin@irishtimes.com