Red Russia

This book reminds me of some stories I read from authors that intentionally go against the traditional writing style of having characters achieve a goal. This book really had no goal, no plot, other than to share a story (much like you would with a friend). I enjoyed that element, but I can see why others would not. I do think if we are going to embrace the humor we should do so in the way Douglas Adams did—sure, it’s all over the place but there was always a vision of what to fight for throughout the story.The sense of humor made it worthwhile, to me. The writing was okay. It wasn’t the writing that made the story stand out, it was the solid style, and it was amusing. I’d love to see a more realistic set of characters heading toward a goal as is traditional in stories, Thompson would soar to the top of the genre if she’d nail that down.Now lets talk format. I loved the bilingual nature of the story, and that Tarot was a key element. I’m not an occultist by any means, but the presentation and format really stood out and grabbed my attention.I do recommend reading it, even though there are flaws in plot. Thompson is very creative, and the humor alone makes it worth the while.

Red Russia by Tanya ThompsonStory starts out with Sybil and she and Peter are on their way to Russia. His company is allowing her to go as his translator.She's into reading cards and many other forms of predicting things going on around her.Very adult conversations and swearing. They land in Russia and the book translates for you what the foreign words mean.Both English and Russian versions are available in the same book.Many escapades as they are introduced to many involved in the talks they are sent there for. Lot of other deals go down as well.Very confused about who is who as she's given the men a character name like Elvis, Fat Man, Ken, etc. Sounds comical til the guns start firing.Drugs, drinking, and firearms are not good combinations. Fast paced story but to me it was more about the drugs and drinks and what foolish things people do when those are in use.Book ends with highlights of works by the author.Not into this genre but thought I'd give it a try.

Red Russia by Tanya Thompson is one of those books you either connect with and love, or it goes over your head and you wonder what is happening. For me, I am still unsure what was going on.  As a Southern rebel, I bonded just a smidgen as guns are common here, but I probably one of those the author would describe as boring. Let me tell you what I loved about Red Russia. Tanya Thompson has a writing style which makes her books easy to read. She puts a lot of study and culture in her novel, giving it an authentic and mysterious feel as it translates the Russian language. The insight to this country that is viewed as harsh makes this unique as you see the people as they are. Plus, the nicknames given to some characters are humorous and the turn of events.

i like the viewpoint of the protagonist whose world view is Tarot, numerology, and astrology - which, with a degree in Russian literature, allows her to cope much better than her newspeak partner.The book reminds me of _Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas_ transported to the grasp of the Russian mafia and several layers of scheming politicians and aids.The book introduced me to hunting with tannerite, grenade launchers, and RPGs.

[Quotes taken from interviews with Ms Thompson on Radio Svoboda and Vesti News on 11/10/17 and 12/8/17 respectively.]Ms Thompson spent several years in Russia often in the company of the Solntsevskaya Bratva. She says of the experience, “On the redneck front, there are similarities with the US South, so for that I felt quite at home.”When asked to comment on the differences, Thompson joked, “Southerners shooting off guns is nothing remarkable. We do it every day for any reason. Russians, they’re far more circumspect, but when they do decide to fire, they bring out some serious sh*t, like eighty-eights, and I had the absolute best time with the RG6.”When asked how her time with the Solntsevskaya Bratva influenced the writing of Red Russia, Thompson admits she was forced to tone down the actions of the Bratva for fear of causing disbelief. There were several incidents she wished to add to Red Russia, but said “No one would believe it, and I learned in Assuming Names the suspension of disbelief is more important to the reader than reality. Few can believe the truth as some of us live it.”Later she states, “I’ve found that only people who are leading interesting lives themselves can believe the remarkable in other’s. People leading lives I would call boring never believe a word I say, a story I convey, or anything extreme I share from the other side. The other side being the fierce side, the side populated by risk takers, daredevils, thrill seekers, criminals, and the like.”“I hear contempt?” The interviewer says. “I wish the radio could show your smile. It is withering. Can you tell us why?”“I have no contempt for those who lead what I just described as boring lives, apologies for that. But I passionately loathe the dullards who would declare with utter certainty what the rest of us are not doing.”Asked to name the silovik on which Volikov is based, Thompson replies in English, “Oh hell no.”“No?” The interviewer asks.“I still run for the cliffs, but these days I very rarely jump.” Thompson replies.For more on this, look for interviews with Ms Thompson on the websites of Radio Svoboda and Vesti News.* For this interviewer’s part, I found Red Russia an absolute delight. It is a parody that instead of being ramped up for humor is instead toned down for belief. It is a very funny story.

A fantastic satire on both linguistics and political financial machinations.Tanya Thompson is just getting better with every story she weaves. Yes, some may be put off by the red text (Russian in red - hence the title). However, this device not only works, but provides a fascinating insight into colorful (pun intended) metaphors.The protagonist, Sybil, narrates this fast moving story with a dry humor. Her fiancee's modern business jargon is a gibberish she can barely translate for their potential business partners. Who just happen to be the Russian mafia, flaunting gaudy excesses which mirror American commercialism.Add in the character's learned Tarot/numerological elucidations, a treatise on Russian literature, symbolic prison tattoos, a truckload of vodka and a whole heap of pharmaceutical mishaps, and you've got yourself a recipe for disaster, as well as a great read.This is one of those novels that demand you return again and again, and I can't wait until I do.

My other half loaned me a copy of Assuming Names by Tanya Thompson and it was such a good read, I thought I would give another one of her books a try. I went for Red Russia as the synopsis was interesting, the reviews positive, and the Kindle price the same as a cup of coffee.When it comes to the art of satire, Thompson is one of the best around. By drawing on her own insane experiences, she has written an exciting, funny, and intelligent novel that chronicles the adventures of two American’s in Mother Russia. Expect blood-curdling brutality, dealings with the occult, and plenty of Russian mobsters doing what they do best. So funny, so contemporary, and such a good read.

This is a fast paced, engaging, and hilarious book written not only for the intelligentsia but for lovers of dark comedy, the occult, the fantastical and absurd. It has occupied my very limited reading time and all of my imagination for the better part of a week. I find myself laughing at the most inappropriate moments thinking back to something I read. It’s one of those books, despite how much you laughed, you are truly saddened to finish.

What I know about Russian gangsters would fit on the head of a pinThis was an intriguing introduction to that world , and I'm guessing with more than a few grains of truth contained

I came cold to this book sampling it on kindle. It had me checking more words than I can remember since I studied Shakespeare and O’Casey for my a levels in the 90s. The translations from corporate American jargon to and from Russian had me chortling. It ended leaving me wanting more. Sybil is my newest anti heroine.