White to Black

Embark on a thrilling adventure through the vastness of Russia, starting from the frozen north within the Arctic Circle in the Hero City of Murmansk. Once the destination of many Allied Arctic convoys during the Second World War, known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War, Murmansk overlooks the majestic Arctic Sea.

Travel along the rivers and across the lakes of northern Russia, passing through historical cities brimming with captivating stories before reaching Moscow, the capital of the Tsars’ empire, with its iconic Kremlin, magnificent cathedrals, and opulent palaces.

Follow the mighty Volga River, journeying through significant historical cities, and arrive at Stalingrad, where the Russians made their valiant stand, turning the tide against the Nazi advance during the Great Patriotic War.

There is caviar to experience and a visit to Sochi, widely known for its hosting of the Winter Olympics in 2014. Working my way along the Black Sea Coast, I reach Sevastopol, the largest city in the Crimea which was annexed by Russia from Ukraine in 2014 and was Putin’s latest acquisition to his new Russian Empire. Discover what life is like in this region today.

Norman Handy was born in Beckenham in the southeast of England. He went to Clare House School and secondary school at a mixed boarding school in Cranbrook, Kent. Later, he studied Law for Accountants, Business Economics and Accountancy at Southampton University.

Even during his studies, he travelled as often as he could, cycling down La Loire Valley and behind the Iron Curtain. After leaving university, he lived and worked abroad, ending up on a date plantation.

He returned to the United Kingdom and, after working in a riding school, followed a career in the financial services sector based in London, including periods working aboard in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He published his first book in 2017.

He has two children and is a keen walker, skier, cyclist, horse rider and, of course, writer! He spends his time between his homes in West Sussex and travelling.