Embark on a captivating journey across the vast Russian steppe aboard the iconic Trans-Siberian Railway in this modern tale of self-discovery and introspection. The narrator, known only as D, begins his westward voyage in Vladivostok, traversing the ever-changing landscapes that unfold before him. As time moves inexorably onward, the everyday lives of the passengers intertwine with the rhythmic churning of the train’s propellers, contrasting sharply with the raw silence of the natural world beyond the windows.As the journey progresses, D’s physical expedition takes an unexpected turn, delving into the depths of his own psyche. A haunting presence, N, permeates the narrative, her essence imbued in the natural world, particularly at the breathtaking Lake Baikal in Siberia. N represents the one who got away, leaving a void and a profound fragility within D’s soul, scattering her ghostly influence across the many places his footsteps tread.Immersed in the tranquil vistas of the external world, D finds himself enamoured by the everyday characters he encounters along the way. As he navigates the complexities of his inner turmoil and the beauty of his surroundings, the narrator embarks on a transformative odyssey. The D who began his journey in Vladivostok will inevitably be different from the one who arrives in Moscow at journey’s end, but what will this transformation entail? Join D on this introspective voyage as he unravels the mysteries of his past, present, and future on the Trans-Siberian Railway.

He is a man of solitude. His world is that of the quiet and distilled. Each night, he sits at his desk as the clock strikes midnight. He journeys inward to that bottomless pit of conflict, prompted by memory, in search of an image fused with the imagination in order to reveal truth through character and the creative narrative process. The words become sentences and they are formed. And so it all begins. This was his first attempt and successful completion of a full-length book. His name is Daniel C.A. Christianson.

Customer Reviews

4.7

117 reviews

Ella Mackenzie

I completed reading this book only yesterday after my friend gave it to me as a gift last Christmas. I am not sure what I was expecting before I began to read it. I probably assumed it would be very much like other travel tales and that would have been fine too as I like and have read many travel books but this story East to West was not like that. In fact I don't think it was really a travel book per se. Even if the author never left his home in Scandinavia and never experienced crossing the length of Russia he could still have created a beautiful tale because at the core of this narrative is the depth of experience of a lonely and love sick man. Christianson's protagonist D reminds me somewhat of Goethe's Werther in that he longs for a woman who doesn't or won't return his deep seated, obsessive and pining love. It is truly a beautiful but very sad tale. I really loved the ending because I was none the wiser on the heated pavements of Moscow as I was on the dreary streets of Vladivostok at the journey's beginning. It is so ambiguous but I can only conclude that the author did this on purpose to invite more questions than answers.
Hannah Salazar

I am lost for words after reading this book. I am not sure what to think and I am not sure of the book's meaning but what I know is how much I was moved and how much emotions I continued to feel after each page that I turned. I never heard of this author Christianson before. I think he is a new author. I tried to look for his other books but there are none. If this is his debut into literature then he has certainly made an impression. He has made an impression onto me. I did not understand some of what the author was talking about. He seemed to ramble a little and then at other moments he was in the mode of a professor and an intellectual but when he drifted in words and focussed his thoughts and heart onto the character N then he created some beautiful and very poetic and lyrical passages of literature. I am now interested in this heroine whom he refers to only as N. Who is she and where is she? Is she even a real life person living some place in this world? Is she aware that she has become a muse to her love interest D? I can only give this book what it truly deserves and that is 5*. My warm congratulations to you Mr Christianson.
Tanya

A wonderful and wise book! At the very beginning, the author talks about his dream of seeing the Trans-Siberian Railway with his own eyes. This railway is very long, but has an interesting history. Upon arriving in Russia, the author begins his journey. Throughout the journey, the book describes various events; there are funny moments and moments for reflection. I really enjoyed reading how the author describes his train journey and his meeting new people. I also want to pay attention to the author's reflections on life. I think these are very wise words and that the reader should reflect on them. I recommend this book to everyone, especially if you love traveling. I also noticed that during his journey, the author strives to learn more about Russia, to become immersed in its history and culture, and I really liked the moment when the author reflected on the matryoshka dolls. So yes, I give it 5 out of 5 stars and will recommend this book to others.
Sebastian Everard

I was recommended to read this book a year ago but I only got round to it over the last few weeks. After completing my reading of it I am not sure what to think. It caught me off guard and left me asking more questions than even answering one. Similar to the author and his protagonist I too have had a love of trains since I was a young boy. It is the mode of transport that most appeals to me and the one that allows me the time and space to make sense of my life and my internal thoughts. I sense at the heart of this book is memory and a longing for moments in the past that meant everything to one but now have sadly passed forever. I admire the protagonist for removing himself from the safe confines of his home to explore a land and terrain that will be very unfamiliar to most people who will read this book. I felt that I was walking alongside the protagonist at many moments especially those moments that he spent in the midst of the spectacular vistas and wilderness of siberia. I also cannot figure out if this mysterious woman the protagonist only refers to as N is a real life person or symbolic of lost love and a way of life that cannot be relived . Maybe N does exist and is living someplace in this world and if she is then she has been immortalised forever in the sacred depths of lake baikal by her great love whom we only know as D
OnlineBookClub.org

When Daniel was nine, he rode his first train, and he was hooked. He always dreamed of riding the Trans-Siberian Railway. It runs through Russian territory and is the longest train ride you can experience. He finally got to ride the Trans-Siberian, and this book, East to West Across Russia: The Long Journey Home, by Daniel C. A. Christianson, tells the story of his ride. Daniel was born and raised Catholic, but after he found out that they were abusing and raping women and murdering babies, children, and adults, he stopped practicing the religion. He still has some questions he wants answered. Is there a God? And does the universe exist because of a massive explosion? He once had a lover, but they are no longer together, and he is still grieving the loss of that relationship. Daniel enjoyed his train ride immensely and visited famous museums, cathedrals, cemeteries, the Red Square in Moscow, and many more. At each town that he stopped at, he gave an account of the history of the town and whether anyone famous had lived there. It was delightful to visit and explore Russia through his eyes. I truly enjoyed this book, and it was interesting to travel through Russia and learn about its history. It surprised me how much I enjoyed the experience of reading this book. The writing flowed easily across the pages, and it was easy to understand. The author wrote the book in plain and simple words so that everyone would understand it. The editing was flawless, as I found no errors. There was no profanity or sexual content in the book, so it is suitable for readers of all ages. The only thing I disliked about the book was the repeated mention of his lost love, but it did not detract from my enjoyment. I can only give this book what it deserves: 5 out of 5 stars. If you are a history buff, you will certainly enjoy this book, as well as just about anyone.
Justine Nickols

This is quite the mysterious memoir. I was left with more questions than I had answers for following my reading of this charming book. It felt more like a novella than that of a novel. The entire narrative revolves around a nameless character who we only know as N. We are only given snippets of information but perhaps this was a deliberate attempt by the author to protect the identity of his heroine. I have read other reviews about the possible identity of N. I am of the persuasion that N is a non binary and genderless character. To me, she is neither male or female. N represents and symbolises the past that each one of us have but to which we must leave behind if we are to move on and forge out our own identity and life. The love D has for N is the love that he holds for his upbringing within his own family and culture but D must now walk his own path alone in pursuit of the lonely life of a writer. D cannot forget his past because if any of us were to deny our past how can we then live a life that is filled with all of our full experiences and the wisdom that we have gained from our lives? When N fades into the ether over the heated cobblestones on red square it is the dawning of a new era and the birth of a writer. D will never forget N but he has this new beginning and life to reach out for and to experience.
MO

Dear Mr. Christianson. Before I start my letter I must tell you that I am losing my sight so you will understand mistakes. A magnifier helps me to read but it does not help me to write. I loved your book. It spoke to me as a friend. The grandeur of your writing convinced me that history will have you up there with Pushkin and Tolstoy and your style will cause a sensation in literary circles worldwide. Thankyou for your autographed message. It was such a lovely surprise. Love from MO
Magaly Luna Sierra

My warmest congratulations to you Dear Daniel. What a very special book that you have written. It is many years since we last talked but I never forgot you and the importance that you played in my life. I remember the many conversations that we had and how you would talk with such interest and passion about Kafka and Camus, about Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, about Simone de Beauvoir and Flaubert. I had not read those writers then but you talked with such eloquence about them that I was enthralled to listen and I tried to learn about such writers. I didn't know then that you would also become one of those writers. It is such a joy for me to see what you have become. Your story of broken love is so harrowing. I don't know if it is real or from your own imagination but it is so human and filled with deep emotion and sensitivity. I will tell my students about you and open up a world to them filled with the wonder of life. You should be so proud of this your first creation Daniel. Please write more stories and fill your library with books.