Abandon: Love and Communism in Central Asia [Paperback]

David Gallagher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 7, 2002

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan, a country of glaring contrasts. It is Muslim, but alcoholic. It is mountainous spirituality and nomadic tradition, but governed by rigid Communist rhetoric. It is distrusting of outside influences, but gripped by a worship of all things foreign. Set on the eve of this small Central Asian republic's independence from Soviet Russia, "Abandon" relates the story of two foundlings as they struggle to find their own voices. Torn between the ancient beliefs of their people and the current sluggish movement toward democracy, Tashtan and Kerez must decide how much they value their freedom. Simultaneously occuring in the past and present, in the majestic Ala-Too mountains and its valley villages, "Abandon" illustrates a world in which both bride stealing and proletariat equality are taken for granted. In his debut novel Dave Gallagher uses a cast of complex characters to introduce the western world to the humanity and heartbreak of the Silk Road. His remarkable insight and understanding of the Kyrgyz make this exotic land accessible and endearing.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dave Gallagher spent two years as a Peace Corps volunteer teaching English in Kyrgyzstan. He lived with host families in small villages of the Naryn and Issyk-Kol oblasts. He currently resides in Denver, Colorado.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (March 7, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595218687
• ISBN-13: 978-0595218684
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,991,061 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oustanding!!, May 26, 2004

By 

RJ Anderson (Ft. Belvoir, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Abandon: Love and Communism in Central Asia (Paperback)

This is a griping story from a part of the world that thus far has been overlooked. Not only is the story great but you also get a chance to learn about this fascinating part of the world.