Through Siberia by Accident

Through Siberia by Accident is a book about a journey that didn't happen - and what happened instead.

Dervla Murphy never had any intention of spending three months in the vast territories of Siberia. Instead she had planned to go to Ussuriland, because it appealed to her as a place free from tourism. But by accident, or rather because she had an accident - a painful leg injury -, she found herself stymied in Eastern Siberia, a place she knew very little about. Although hardly able to walk, her subsequent experiences, in an unexpected place, and in an incapacitated state, provided many pleasant surprises. Above all she was struck by the extraordinary hospitality, generosity and helpfulness of the Siberians who made this strange phenomenon - a maimed Irish babushka - so welcome in their towns and homes.

This book is an extraordinary story of fortitude and resourcefulness as Dervla Murphy finds friendship and culture in a seemingly monotonous, bleak and inhospitable place far from what we know as 'civilised'. Through Siberia by Accident is a voyage of Siberian self-discovery.

“A great read, full of Dervla s usual verve and determination despite a very sore leg which stymied her onward journey. - Sunday Independent Her 20th travel book, but reads as freshly as if it were her first. Told with characteristic spirit, this the is the story of the land, the people and the cheer - Wanderlust 'Murphy s accidents give rise to a fascinating account ... her interest in everyone she meets seems to bring us into their cramped living rooms. - Sunday Times An excellent work from the indefatigable, indomitable, incredible Irishwoman who s still traipsing around the weird and wonderful parts of the world at the age of 73. - Daily Mail What emerges is a travelogue that questions our perception of what Siberia really is, and draws an intimate portrait of its people ... her warmth, fortitude and strength of character make for a compelling read. - Sunday Tribune 'A moreish collection of postcards from a rather eccentric and supremely talented aunt. - Sunday Times A valuable contribution to understanding the world's bleakest inhabited region - TLS She is a bewitchingly good writer who does not need to make anything up - Mail on Sunday”

A great read, full of Dervla s usual verve and determination despite a very sore leg which stymied her onward journey. - Sunday Independent

Her 20th travel book, but reads as freshly as if it were her first. Told with characteristic spirit, this the is the story of the land, the people and the cheer - Wanderlust

'Murphy s accidents give rise to a fascinating account ... her interest in everyone she meets seems to bring us into their cramped living rooms. - Sunday Times

An excellent work from the indefatigable, indomitable, incredible Irishwoman who s still traipsing around the weird and wonderful parts of the world at the age of 73. - Daily Mail

What emerges is a travelogue that questions our perception of what Siberia really is, and draws an intimate portrait of its people ... her warmth, fortitude and strength of character make for a compelling read. - Sunday Tribune

'A moreish collection of postcards from a rather eccentric and supremely talented aunt. - Sunday Times

A valuable contribution to understanding the world's bleakest inhabited region - TLS

She is a bewitchingly good writer who does not need to make anything up - Mail on Sunday

Dervla Murphy is one of the very best loved of travel writers. She was born in County Waterford and since 1964 has been regularly publishing accounts of her journeys - by bicycle and on foot - in the remoter areas of four continents. She has also written about the problems of Northern Ireland, the hazards of nuclear power, and race relations in Britain. The Times Literary Supplement called her 'an admirable woman - she has a romantic soul and a keen eye'.

Through Siberia by Accident is a book about a journey that didn't happen - and what happened instead.Dervla Murphy never had any intention of spending three months in the vast territories of Siberia. Instead she had planned to go to Ussuriland, because it appealed to her as a place free from tourism. But by accident, or rather because she had an accident - a painful leg injury -, she found herself stymied in Eastern Siberia, a place she knew very little about. Although hardly able to walk, her subsequent experiences, in an unexpected place, and in an incapacitated state, provided many pleasant surprises. Above all she was struck by the extraordinary hospitality, generosity and helpfulness of the Siberians who made this strange phenomenon - a maimed Irish babushka - so welcome in their towns and homes.This book is an extraordinary story of fortitude and resourcefulness as Dervla Murphy finds friendship and culture in a seemingly monotonous, bleak and inhospitable place far from what we know as 'civilised'. Through Siberia by Accident is a voyage of Siberian self-discovery.

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