East of the Sun

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In sweep, color, and grandeur, the conquest and settlement of Siberia parallels the American West, presenting a pioneering saga that uniquely intertwines heroic colonization, Arctic exploration's dangers, and the grim reality of penal servitude. Spanning 400 years, this narrative unfolds through relentless human struggle, showcasing the extremes of man versus nature and man versus man. This comprehensive account reveals Siberia as a vast, enigmatic region, rich in resources and covering 5 million square miles—7.5% of the Earth's land surface. From the initial Cossack incursions in 1581 to the fall of Gorbachev, the history of Siberia is grand in scale. The often brutal subjugation of indigenous tribes and the destruction of their cultures are vividly depicted, alongside the significant 18th-century explorations that established Siberia's borders and Russia's ambitions to extend its reach to Alaska, California, and Hawaii. The transformation of Siberia into a penal colony for exiles, surpassing even Australia’s Botany Bay, is explored, as is the monumental construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway across seven time zones. The region's pivotal role in the aftermath of the 1917 October Revolution and Stalin’s notorious Gulag, which tainted its soil, is also highlighted. Today, Siberia stands as a beacon of hope for Russia’s future amidst its fragmented republics, making its story more relevant than ever.