Lithuanian Lullaby follows the lives of six people as they manage the unprecedented world events in the decade between 1987 and 1997. With his country collapsing, a Soviet conscript in Afghanistan devotes his life to undermining the very country he is meant to serve. A Hungarian teenager cuts through a border fence in search of a better life; only to find herself indebted and robbed in London. In his perennial search for adventure and romance, an American discovers that language is no barrier to true love. An unorthodox union leaves two English parents struggling to raise their love child in Yorkshire. Each are about to share a peculiar connection to the tiny Baltic nation of Lithuania; a 'new' country emerging from an elongated sleep. The years of loneliness and isolation are over; the world is changing - and so will they.

A witty and warm-hearted memoir of abandoning fast-paced American days in favor of discovering the Italian secrets of food, community, and life. Moving across the globe meant Michelle Damiani soon found herself untangling Italian customs, delighting in glorious regional cuisine (recipes included), and creating lasting friendships. From grandmothers eager to teach the ancient art of pasta making, to bakers tossing bread into fiery ovens with a song, to butchers extolling the benefits of pork fat, Il Bel Centro is rich with captivating characters and cultural insights. Throw in clinking glasses of Umbrian red with the local communists and a village all-nighter decorating the cobblestone streets with flower petals; as well as embarrassing language minefields and a serious summons to the mayor’s office, and you have all the ingredients for a spellbinding travel tale. Exquisitely observed, Il Bel Centro is an intimate celebration of small town Italy, as well as a thoughtful look at raising a family in a new culture and a fascinating story of finding a home. Ultimately though, this is a story about how travel can change you when you’re ready to let it. With laugh-out-loud situations and wanderlust-inspiring storytelling, Il Bel Centro is a joyous and life-affirming read that will have readers rushing to renew their passports. “This is one of the most beautiful book I’ve ever read.” “I absolutely couldn’t get enough of this book.” “This book made me want to pack my bags.” “I loved, loved this book. Fabulously written, engaging, and entertaining.” “A magical read.”

“A beautifully written and very lively study of Russia that argues that the political order created by Vladimir Putin is stagnating” (Financial Times). From Kaliningrad on the Baltic to the Russian Far East, journalist Ben Judah has traveled throughout Russia and the former Soviet republics, conducting extensive interviews with President Vladimir Putin’s friends, foes, and colleagues, government officials, business tycoons, mobsters, and ordinary Russian citizens. Fragile Empire is the fruit of Judah’s thorough research: A probing assessment of Putin’s rise to power and what it has meant for Russia and her people. Despite a propaganda program intent on maintaining the cliché of stability, Putin’s regime was suddenly confronted in December 2011 by a highly public protest movement that told a different side of the story. Judah argues that Putinism has brought economic growth to Russia but also weaker institutions, and this contradiction leads to instability. The author explores both Putin’s successes and his failed promises, taking into account the impact of a new middle class and a new generation, the Internet, social activism, and globalization on the president’s impending leadership crisis. Can Russia avoid the crisis of Putinism? Judah offers original and up-to-the-minute answers. “[A] dynamic account of the rise (and fall-in-progress) of Russian President Vladimir Putin.” —Publishers Weekly “[Judah] shuttles to and fro across Russia’s vast terrain, finding criminals, liars, fascists and crooked politicians, as well as the occasional saintly figure.” —The Economist “His lively account of his remote adventures forms the most enjoyable part of Fragile Empire, and puts me in mind of Chekhov’s famous 1890 journey to Sakhalin Island.” —The Guardian

View our feature on Katie MacAlister’s Love in the Time of Dragons. When it comes to love, one woman is scaling back her expectations... Tully Sullivan is just like any other suburban mom-except she's just woken up in a strange place surrounded by strange people who keep insisting that they're dragons-and that she's one too.

In the summer of 2002, two profoundly amateur sailors, Griff and Bob, set off in an elderly yacht for Russia, because, on the map, it looked easier than sailing to Cornwall. They took Baines with them, as he knew how to mend the engine. And this is their story. Over four long months of applied bickering in a vessel no bigger than a London taxi, they visited most of the geographically interesting restaurants on the Baltic seaboard. They sailed, over, and, even at one point, onto the mysterious heart of the Nordic world. They pushed themselves to the very limits of human endurance, before finally agreeing to wash their sleeping bags on a cool cycle at number six. To the Baltic with Bob is the full account of their stirring journey through the longest heat wave the frozen north has ever suffered; of three men in search of the answer to a troubling question: can you really outmanoeuvre a mid-life crisis by running away to sea?

A dog is rescued after being seen floating on an ice floe in the Baltic Sea.

This book, based on extensive work in Russian archives, investigates how strategy, organisational rivalry and cultural factors came to shape naval developments in the Soviet Union, up to the invasion of 1941.

The Complete Works of Tolstoy encompasses a wide range of genres including novels, short stories, and essays, showcasing Tolstoy's masterful storytelling and profound insights into human nature. Known for his realistic portrayal of Russian society in the 19th century, Tolstoy's literary style is characterized by detailed character development and philosophical themes. This collection provides readers with a comprehensive look into the mind of one of the greatest writers of all time. Each work offers a unique perspective on love, war, and the search for meaning in life. Tolstoy's works continue to be studied and revered for their enduring relevance in today's world. Leo Tolstoy, a Russian novelist and philosopher, drew inspiration from his own experiences and beliefs to create timeless works of literature that have resonated with readers for generations. His strong convictions on pacifism and social justice are prominent themes throughout his writing, reflecting his commitment to addressing the complexities of the human condition. I highly recommend The Complete Works of Tolstoy to any reader interested in exploring the depths of human emotion and societal issues through the eyes of a literary giant. This collection is a must-read for anyone looking to expand their literary horizons and engage with thought-provoking literature.