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Globetrotting for Love and Other Stories from Sakhalin Island
A cleaning lady frustrated with the lack of manners of the occupants of the building sets out to teach them a lesson or two. Philandering ways and addiction to alcohol force a marriage to flounder and the wife to seek divorce. In Sakhalin, the land of opportunities, a girl from the Russian hinterland flits from one man to another before settling down. A group of friends becomes victim to street hooliganism in the capital city of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, while a young British girl succumbs to the vile machinations of a local Russian, jealous of her success, leading to her deportation. Tragic fate awaits a Russian girl who leaves her boyfriend for a seaman.
Globetrotting for Love and Other Stories from Sakhalin Island is a brutal, yet honest compilation of stories told in a style that not only pounds on the reader’s sensibilities and emotions but claws at the soul. The place is as much a character as the people who inhabit this collection. These are tales of love, lust, greed, hope, ambition and confusion resulting from the oil boom and its aftermath on the island and subsequent coming together of many worlds.
Globetrotting for Love and Other Stories from Sakhalin Island is a brutal, yet honest compilation of stories told in a style that not only pounds on the reader’s sensibilities and emotions but claws at the soul. The place is as much a character as the people who inhabit this collection. These are tales of love, lust, greed, hope, ambition and confusion resulting from the oil boom and its aftermath on the island and subsequent coming together of many worlds.
- GenresRussia
134 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 10, 2017
10 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Ajay Kamalakaran
3 books12 followersAjay Kamalakaran (Russian: Аджей Камалакаран) is the author of three books about Russia.
His first work of fiction Globetrotting for Love and Other Stories from Sakhalin Island, is a fictionalised account of life in the Russian Far East in the 2000s. It was published in July 2017.
His latest book, a short novel titled A Week in the Life of Svitlana was released in November 2019.
He served as the editor of the Sakhalin Times in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia from 2003 to 2007 and was the India and Asia Consulting Editor for Russia Beyond the Headlines (now Russia Beyond) from 2011 to 2017.
His column 'Keralaspora' is published fortnightly by Malayala Manorama Online's English edition.
His first work of fiction Globetrotting for Love and Other Stories from Sakhalin Island, is a fictionalised account of life in the Russian Far East in the 2000s. It was published in July 2017.
His latest book, a short novel titled A Week in the Life of Svitlana was released in November 2019.
He served as the editor of the Sakhalin Times in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia from 2003 to 2007 and was the India and Asia Consulting Editor for Russia Beyond the Headlines (now Russia Beyond) from 2011 to 2017.
His column 'Keralaspora' is published fortnightly by Malayala Manorama Online's English edition.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 25, 2017
Truly enjoyed the Chekovian style of writing! The short stories are a literary visual treat of the Russian landscapes in a nutshell! The relatively less known Sakhalin is beautifully explored and threads of past and present are woven together with history, fiction poetry and nostalgia...
November 30, 2018
This is a rather unique book - a short story collection about Russians written by an Indian who's enjoyed a ringside view of the country. Set in the 2000s, the stories are largely set on Sakhalin Island, a remote provincial outpost going through an oil boom that's drawing both rich expats and immigrant labourers to what was a penal colony in 19th century Tsarist Russia.
The author Ajay Kamalakaran adroitly captures the turmoil and confusion of post-Soviet Russia, where the stability of stodgy communism is giving way to a reckless, mafia-laced capitalism. In these stories, a cleaning lady fallen on hard times lashes out at the 'uneducated' hordes besmirching her beloved island; a proud Korean-origin Russian is made to feel like a second-class citizen in his own country by racist thugs; an unfaithful Russian beauty indecisively flits from lover to lover; and a British expat's necolonial ambitions are foiled by Russian intelligence.
The stories are crisp and written in a deceptively simple fashion. While some of them have rather abrupt endings, they do a great job of capturing the lived reality of Russians in a landscape of frigid beauty, warm vodka-infused friendships and casual brutality. Overall, I would recommend this collection to everyone who, like myself, is curious about Russia beyond the usual headlines - a fascinating, perplexing country Churchill memorably described as 'a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma'.
The author Ajay Kamalakaran adroitly captures the turmoil and confusion of post-Soviet Russia, where the stability of stodgy communism is giving way to a reckless, mafia-laced capitalism. In these stories, a cleaning lady fallen on hard times lashes out at the 'uneducated' hordes besmirching her beloved island; a proud Korean-origin Russian is made to feel like a second-class citizen in his own country by racist thugs; an unfaithful Russian beauty indecisively flits from lover to lover; and a British expat's necolonial ambitions are foiled by Russian intelligence.
The stories are crisp and written in a deceptively simple fashion. While some of them have rather abrupt endings, they do a great job of capturing the lived reality of Russians in a landscape of frigid beauty, warm vodka-infused friendships and casual brutality. Overall, I would recommend this collection to everyone who, like myself, is curious about Russia beyond the usual headlines - a fascinating, perplexing country Churchill memorably described as 'a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma'.
August 27, 2017
What happens when an isolated corner of Russia suddenly opens up and welcomes foreigners? Romance, cultural clash, hitherto unheard of situations and deep friendships.
This book takes us into a hidden world of the lives of oil barons, intelligence operatives, ambitious young people and some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world.
I should say that the book in some ways reinforces some stereotypes about Russia, but it goes without say that the author loves the country in a way that very few foreigners do.
This book takes us into a hidden world of the lives of oil barons, intelligence operatives, ambitious young people and some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world.
I should say that the book in some ways reinforces some stereotypes about Russia, but it goes without say that the author loves the country in a way that very few foreigners do.
February 16, 2018
Sometimes it is useful to look at yourself from the outside. I live in Ukraine but we have the similar situation and a common history with Russia. This is not an american movie but the world through the eyes of a foreigner who has lived among Russians for a long time. I was touched by the deep idea that we are all like foreigners in our own country. I appreciate author for using fun russian proverbs. For example: "Beer without vodka- money on the wind". It was very funny.
This wonderful book is not about abstract life and nature of Sakhalin Island. This is a short stories about people and families, small dramas in which the reader for sure will find something close and important for yourself.
Definitely recommend to read!
This wonderful book is not about abstract life and nature of Sakhalin Island. This is a short stories about people and families, small dramas in which the reader for sure will find something close and important for yourself.
Definitely recommend to read!
August 31, 2017
This book is a complete delight, set in a remote island of Sakhalin it gives us a glimpse of life in Russia. The characters are very relatable and while the narrative is simple the author stumps you with an unexpected twist. The wry subtle humour will leave you amused.
I am not able to pick a favourite as each story is different from the other. His description of places transports you to Russia. You also get an insight on Russian cutlture.
This book is a must read!
May 7, 2018
Unless you are a student of 19th century Russian literature, work in the oil and gas industry, or live in northeast Asia, Sakhalin Island may not be a familiar name. Speaking of Russian life evokes images of Moscow, St. Petersburg and the vast Siberian taiga, but one of Russia's most fascinating places is closer to Tokyo and Honolulu than Red Square. That place is, of course Sakhalin Island, famous from the account of Anton Chekhov's overland journey from Europe to Sakhalin in 1890.
Once a penal colony known only for its remote birch forests, rugged sea cliffs and inhospitable climate, the playwright A. Chekhov characterized Sakhalin as "hell" and a place where he found "the extreme limits of man's degradation, lower that which he cannot go."
Sakhalin in the 2000s has evolved into something quite different, if still scarcely known. In Ajay Kamalakaran's fast-moving book Globetrotting for Love and Other Stories from Sakhalin Island, Kamalakaran (a former resident of the island) has crafted a fine premier work of fiction based on the varied and complicated lives of Sakhalin islanders.
In 'Globetrotting for Love' Kamalakaran has assembled an irresistibly unpredictable cast of Russians and foreign residents who the author introduces in eleven quick-to-read chapters, each one a short story. Here you'll meet a grouchy cleaning lady named Galina, an ethnic-Korean Russian named Vladimir Kim, an over-ambitious foreign guest worker from the UK, and lovers like Darya and Jhenya.
Each of the stories and the characters within are distinctive of the inhabitants of Sakhalin at a recent point in time but they are also the kind of people you probably know or know of no matter where you live. Greed, lust, frustration, ambition, romanticism, fear, and passion drive the characters in 'Globetrotting for Love' to do curious and unexpected things in a setting you likely have never read about before.
Kamalakaran's book is not only populated by intriguing characters, they are cast in a setting that has been forged by its location at the edge of the Russian empire, immediate neighbors of China, Japan, and Korea. This is the part of the Far East that is usually overlooked but which has some of the most intriguing elements anywhere in the region.
One of the most charming stories in Kamalakaran's collection is simply entitled April. It's a story of season and of place, one that will appeal to Russians and life-long Russophiles, but also to anyone who has eagerly waited for an interminable winter to end.
If you've never read a book about Russia before or if you've been reading about Russia all your life, you'll certainly find something to like in this collection. These stories will either transport you back to Russia or spark a new curiosity about this complex, sometimes confounding, but always alluring island.
Once a penal colony known only for its remote birch forests, rugged sea cliffs and inhospitable climate, the playwright A. Chekhov characterized Sakhalin as "hell" and a place where he found "the extreme limits of man's degradation, lower that which he cannot go."
Sakhalin in the 2000s has evolved into something quite different, if still scarcely known. In Ajay Kamalakaran's fast-moving book Globetrotting for Love and Other Stories from Sakhalin Island, Kamalakaran (a former resident of the island) has crafted a fine premier work of fiction based on the varied and complicated lives of Sakhalin islanders.
In 'Globetrotting for Love' Kamalakaran has assembled an irresistibly unpredictable cast of Russians and foreign residents who the author introduces in eleven quick-to-read chapters, each one a short story. Here you'll meet a grouchy cleaning lady named Galina, an ethnic-Korean Russian named Vladimir Kim, an over-ambitious foreign guest worker from the UK, and lovers like Darya and Jhenya.
Each of the stories and the characters within are distinctive of the inhabitants of Sakhalin at a recent point in time but they are also the kind of people you probably know or know of no matter where you live. Greed, lust, frustration, ambition, romanticism, fear, and passion drive the characters in 'Globetrotting for Love' to do curious and unexpected things in a setting you likely have never read about before.
Kamalakaran's book is not only populated by intriguing characters, they are cast in a setting that has been forged by its location at the edge of the Russian empire, immediate neighbors of China, Japan, and Korea. This is the part of the Far East that is usually overlooked but which has some of the most intriguing elements anywhere in the region.
One of the most charming stories in Kamalakaran's collection is simply entitled April. It's a story of season and of place, one that will appeal to Russians and life-long Russophiles, but also to anyone who has eagerly waited for an interminable winter to end.
If you've never read a book about Russia before or if you've been reading about Russia all your life, you'll certainly find something to like in this collection. These stories will either transport you back to Russia or spark a new curiosity about this complex, sometimes confounding, but always alluring island.
October 2, 2017
I had the good fortune of meeting the author during one of his visits to Sri Lanka, through a mutual friend. Our conversations revealed to me his love for ordinary lives in exotic places around the world. Each and every story in this book manifests that love, this time centered around the island of Sakhalin in the Russian Far East.
I distinctly remember my fascination with Russian folk tales and war stories during my childhood. Ajay's stories took me back to that time. Although the plot seemed to have been a little rushed on occasion, with some stories leading to endings too abrupt for my taste, there was a lot to like about this short read.
I especially liked the choice of characters, some of them Sakhaliners, some hailing from the outside world, and some lost in between. They bring life to these stories in a manner that I found quite entertaining. The cleaning ladies, the alcoholics, the troubled wives, the beautiful Russian girls and the seamen, the expat Brits and the local businessmen, all these diverse humans have a part to play in what seems to make Sakhalin the character-rich place it is.
I distinctly remember my fascination with Russian folk tales and war stories during my childhood. Ajay's stories took me back to that time. Although the plot seemed to have been a little rushed on occasion, with some stories leading to endings too abrupt for my taste, there was a lot to like about this short read.
I especially liked the choice of characters, some of them Sakhaliners, some hailing from the outside world, and some lost in between. They bring life to these stories in a manner that I found quite entertaining. The cleaning ladies, the alcoholics, the troubled wives, the beautiful Russian girls and the seamen, the expat Brits and the local businessmen, all these diverse humans have a part to play in what seems to make Sakhalin the character-rich place it is.
August 26, 2017
The book is a surprise. While it is a collection of good short stories, it is also a chronicle of what will probably be the most interesting times that this remote corner of the planet has ever seen. It is also the story of modern Russia and its people. I would probably rearrange the stories in the book or read the stories in the reverse order. And for Indian readers, there are several characters in the book that we would identify with and some of them can even be from Gurgaon or one of the fast growing cities of India.
March 27, 2018
Ajay Kamalakaran is a vivid Russian insider ;)
He undercovers the wisdom's blossoms and embraces readers in a dream of Sakhalin Island.
The warm tales give softly and gently touch of national hygge: the love, the hope and the spiritual power. To collect them all read the book!
He undercovers the wisdom's blossoms and embraces readers in a dream of Sakhalin Island.
The warm tales give softly and gently touch of national hygge: the love, the hope and the spiritual power. To collect them all read the book!
July 5, 2018
This is the kind of book that immediately attracts you upon setting your eyes on the first lines.
It represents tales that dissect the human nature, revealing shocking yet eloquently framed accounts on love, hatred, honour, belief and fantasy. The stories roll on as smoothly as breaking waves gently spreading on a flat sandy shore. It sets the light for the first time on a long-forgotten corner of the Russian far east, exposing the sheer transformations of the Island of Sakhalin since the days of Tsarist Russia, the Japanese Karafuto Prefecture, WWII Soviet conquest of South Sakhalin, up until the end of the cold war all the way leading up to the subsequent recent oil and gas boom in the island. While the book presents a collection of reality-inspired fiction, it yet provides a true account of Russian life at the aforesaid time intervals, albeit from a Sakahliner's point of view. The author fabulously offers Sakahlin to the reader on a silver plate, contrasting its natural marvels and odds, and comparing such dynamic topographic and climatic features with the ever-changing political and social circumstances, and most important, with the unsettled human nature of the novel's characters. It explores the interactions between Sakahliners, mainland Russians, second-generation Korean Sakahaliners, as well as European and Asian expats. The book takes you even further for short spills across the width of the Amur Basin, the freezing waters of the Sea of Okhotsk, the depths of Lake Baikal, the formidable palaces of St. Petersburg, the brutality of the Chechen War, the obscurity of Magadan's gulags, the Krushchev Era housing blocks, the Siberian wastelands, the coast of Kamchatka, Japan's Hokkaido, along with fascinating trips to the beaches of Borneo and Goa. It provides a detailed and modern account of Russian culture, music, cuisine, festivities and social composition, and goes deep into the Russian parallel mafiosi and gopnik societies. It takes you back in time when Sakahlin used to be the Tsar's remote penal colony, followed by the Japanese introduction of Korean forced labour, and then the influx of illegal workers from ex-Soviet republics upon the collapse of the Wall of Berlin, while demonstrating how the island gradually evolved into a cosmopolitan society comprising Russians, Koreans, and other new expats from Britain, Japan, India, Malaysia, China and the Philippines who moved to the island after the recent oil and gas boom. The author took every chance to simulate how would people such as Chekhov, Pushkin, and Dostoevsky acted in the stories' events and circumstances; this was indeed interesting to read. Having said that, I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a true and honest account of modern Russian life, folk, social composition and transformation, with all of its pros and cons, put into a beautifully crafted romantic frame by a lucid storyteller.
It represents tales that dissect the human nature, revealing shocking yet eloquently framed accounts on love, hatred, honour, belief and fantasy. The stories roll on as smoothly as breaking waves gently spreading on a flat sandy shore. It sets the light for the first time on a long-forgotten corner of the Russian far east, exposing the sheer transformations of the Island of Sakhalin since the days of Tsarist Russia, the Japanese Karafuto Prefecture, WWII Soviet conquest of South Sakhalin, up until the end of the cold war all the way leading up to the subsequent recent oil and gas boom in the island. While the book presents a collection of reality-inspired fiction, it yet provides a true account of Russian life at the aforesaid time intervals, albeit from a Sakahliner's point of view. The author fabulously offers Sakahlin to the reader on a silver plate, contrasting its natural marvels and odds, and comparing such dynamic topographic and climatic features with the ever-changing political and social circumstances, and most important, with the unsettled human nature of the novel's characters. It explores the interactions between Sakahliners, mainland Russians, second-generation Korean Sakahaliners, as well as European and Asian expats. The book takes you even further for short spills across the width of the Amur Basin, the freezing waters of the Sea of Okhotsk, the depths of Lake Baikal, the formidable palaces of St. Petersburg, the brutality of the Chechen War, the obscurity of Magadan's gulags, the Krushchev Era housing blocks, the Siberian wastelands, the coast of Kamchatka, Japan's Hokkaido, along with fascinating trips to the beaches of Borneo and Goa. It provides a detailed and modern account of Russian culture, music, cuisine, festivities and social composition, and goes deep into the Russian parallel mafiosi and gopnik societies. It takes you back in time when Sakahlin used to be the Tsar's remote penal colony, followed by the Japanese introduction of Korean forced labour, and then the influx of illegal workers from ex-Soviet republics upon the collapse of the Wall of Berlin, while demonstrating how the island gradually evolved into a cosmopolitan society comprising Russians, Koreans, and other new expats from Britain, Japan, India, Malaysia, China and the Philippines who moved to the island after the recent oil and gas boom. The author took every chance to simulate how would people such as Chekhov, Pushkin, and Dostoevsky acted in the stories' events and circumstances; this was indeed interesting to read. Having said that, I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a true and honest account of modern Russian life, folk, social composition and transformation, with all of its pros and cons, put into a beautifully crafted romantic frame by a lucid storyteller.
September 30, 2018
Superbly written, the 11 stories by Ajay Kamalakaran give the readers a rare insight into the life and culture of an island which is part of Russian but closer to Japan and Korea. Till I read the book, I didn't know much about - rather I knew nothing - about Sakhalin island. Once you start reading the stories and get to know the characters in each of those, be it the 55-year-old Galina, the cleaning lady, or the 'supposedly ' leap year born Vadim, or the Japanese Seguo or the Korean Vova, each of them takes you through a journey and educates you on the geography, history, traditions, weather, food habits and a lot more. Individually, each story is enthralling but as a whole, the stories are more than just tales of human emotions. After reading the book, one feels connected with the island and gets to know it's changing fortunes over time.
In terms of narrative, I will choose 'April' as one of the masterfully written pieces because it very artfully takes the reader through a mesmerizing nature tour. Overall, Ajay has done an excellent job as an ambassador of this beautiful land called Sakhalin. Ajay has made us a fan of the island and hopefully we will be able to visit the place sometime.
In terms of narrative, I will choose 'April' as one of the masterfully written pieces because it very artfully takes the reader through a mesmerizing nature tour. Overall, Ajay has done an excellent job as an ambassador of this beautiful land called Sakhalin. Ajay has made us a fan of the island and hopefully we will be able to visit the place sometime.
February 24, 2018
If you wish to travel to all corners of the world sitting on an armchair in your favourite corner of your home, a book is your best bet and When u want to travel to Russia, Ajays book is your best bet. I absolutely loved the detailing of the characters and life in a small far-out corner of Russia. He brings to life the trials and tribulations of an island besieged by sudden fame and then slow slide back to relative obscurity. The tears and the triumphs of the lead characters become so much your own when u get drawn to a way of life which is so different to from our usual Indian one. I was telling all my football fan friends to definitely read this book before setting out for the World Cup in Russia at least to get a taste of what they are in for, in terms of culture, in terms of attitude.
Ajay, keep writing for us more books like this one bringing your insiders insight to life on a foreign city.
Ajay, keep writing for us more books like this one bringing your insiders insight to life on a foreign city.
March 26, 2018
I am not a regular reader (not my hobby), however, after I picked this book up for its design and an interesting title, I don't regret it a single bit. Ajay takes us on a beautiful ride with a lot of twists in the tales. You end up smiling, giggling and enjoying as the story develops. His way of presenting someone's misery to someone’s fortune and that too without urging the reader to pass any judgment has intrigued me to read further.
You simply see the character as who they are and not what or how they should be. This is where Ajay does a wonderful job as a writer. To add, as I mentioned I am not a regular reader. I feel from his reading that I can at least say - Mr. Kamalakaran does a perfect 'Ajay' and makes us visit Sakhalin through his eyes. He kept the approach original, crisp, gripping and simply sophisticated.
You simply see the character as who they are and not what or how they should be. This is where Ajay does a wonderful job as a writer. To add, as I mentioned I am not a regular reader. I feel from his reading that I can at least say - Mr. Kamalakaran does a perfect 'Ajay' and makes us visit Sakhalin through his eyes. He kept the approach original, crisp, gripping and simply sophisticated.
October 23, 2017
A must read to all the ladies out there as it is one of the most empowering books I've ever read. Author has incredibly pointed out how strong a woman could be no matter what she faces in life. Besides, this book emphasizes on the perks of being optimistic even when you are entirely lost and broken which energizes your soul with courage and endurance. Plus, the author creates a realistic picture of Sakhalin island enabling the reader to gain an in depth understanding about the culture and life style of its people. This is absolutely an incredible book for everyone as every story creates a great spirit within you!
September 3, 2018
I had a pleasure to meet the author when we were studying Italian language together in Siena. He used to tell me incredible stories that he encountered during his travels. I always knew that they had potential for a great book. This book introduced me to a foreign and distant place and culture in a compelling and engaging manner. I now wish to travel to Sakhalin myself. Every story is unique. I have my favorites, but I will keep that to myself so that you can enjoy the book and decide for yourself. Every day we are trotting for love. Perhaps you will recognize an aspect of yourself in this collection. I am looking forward to Ajay Kamalakaran's next book.
October 6, 2018
It is always interesting to see usual pictures of life in Russia from new side. Author shows the peculiar details of Russian soul and this is truly amazing for a foreigner. Ajay has not just spent some time in the country to notice what's on the surface but absorbed all positive and hidded traits of local character. It seems that author is more Russian than many people who has Russian passport. Also, the book is full of less-known facts about Russian Far East, not limited to Sakhalin Island. Truly this is a distant secret place in our country and the reader can make a small journey while just reading the book. Enjoy!
March 23, 2019
Truly unique book by Ajay, the forgotten island of Sakhalin in North Eastern Russia is presented in a great story. I recommend others to read this book. The book also inspired me to visit Sakhalin in the future.
Ajay is a talented young author who’s is traveling around the world, mainly eastern Russia. He’s great interpersonal skills and the huge passion towards literature is a true example of this work success. I have been corresponding with him for few years now. And looking forward to read his new book in the future. I wish him well.
Ajay is a talented young author who’s is traveling around the world, mainly eastern Russia. He’s great interpersonal skills and the huge passion towards literature is a true example of this work success. I have been corresponding with him for few years now. And looking forward to read his new book in the future. I wish him well.
July 19, 2018
“Globetrotting for Love” is a collection of delightfully written stories of different people’s lives, their simple and some more dramatic situations, Ajay Kamalakaran, has a unique way of telling these stories that pull you into his characters lives, you can touch smell see, feel and hear the sounds of of what is going on. Every story has a different flavor and at the end lessons learned for these characters whose lives have changed, I loved this book and highly recommend it.
October 30, 2017
This book takes up deep into the unknown Russia through simple, humorous stories with a twist! Through different fictional characters, we literally navigate in the town of Sakhalin feeling the freshness of the air, the smell, the taste of this extreme far place. It was a delight to read this compilation of short stories!
October 8, 2017
A very humorous account of life in a distant Russian island when it was a hotspot for foreigners in the last decade.
Each story is unique and is tinged with irony and a surprising twist. Ajay Kamalakaran is a very good storyteller and his characterizations are brilliant.
Each story is unique and is tinged with irony and a surprising twist. Ajay Kamalakaran is a very good storyteller and his characterizations are brilliant.
July 22, 2018
Really enjoyed going through short and interesting stories. Highly recommend this to other book lovers.
December 2, 2017
Dear Ajay da,
One thing I acknowledged after a long time that, when a reader stating that he like reading a particular genre like crime, fiction, thriller or say love etc, he simply lies to his own reader's soul less knowing but more unconsciously. A true reader always ready to read a masterpiece weather he knows or not. Something similar happened to me when I'd read 'Golbetrotting for love' and other stories from Sakhalin island.
You know my growing love towards Russia, and you might've had a glimpse of my imagination to the world you created for me and other readers. Specially the story GFL the central character girl was really fascinating, in beginning I had a general view of sympathy to her which later grown to practical nature when life offers it's best to her and best part unlike Hindi movies two rather three of her lovers ended up giving a full toast to what they lived with her.( I was expecting some hot muscle struggle at some point of time ha ha ha...) but you made its simply awesome (Leaving Debashish on a suspense note :-) .
The Korean Russian boy's story was really touching this was a masterpiece when we think that how deep you are connected to the land of Russia and Sakhalin, this was never possible without immersing deepest of you into the natural seas and still evolving dry with reality not mere imagination.
The 40 year old bachelor was an inspiration form nowhere , when many people gives up and compromises at certain stage this guy was like given up forever right from childhood with literally no expectations from life and dumping his emotions and can say living other's emotions suddenly gets a spark and start a life of his own more suited to him, which gives him purpose and most needed happy purpose to his life. Amazing Ajay Dada,....Hats off to you.
The Old lady is none else than real Russia, she represents real Russian emotion and the missing family, social sentiments which were gems and jewels of Indian Russian upbringing on those which were deeply eradicated post 90's era and by so called globalization. When a simple ambassador of humanity never ever gave up her true integrity and beliefs in hardest circumstances of life other Russians and I will add Indians somewhat should never compromise with their values and roots. I am too small to write a review on this story specially, this really gave me goosebumps in the end after her moral victory. This is a masterpiece for me which I mentioned in one of the above columns.
Always want to write longer as my instinct drives me deeper to the realization of the experience your book added to my life. I try to say that your book GTL and stories from Sakhalin Island is simply superb irrespective of Space time limits as this freedom to imagine a world more connected to simple human beings living on earth. This could be well read by any literate doesn't matters he lives in Sakhalin, Russia or far west of the globe.
Thanks Ajay Kamlakaran for bringing Russia closer to me and readers many more in India.
Pushkar
One thing I acknowledged after a long time that, when a reader stating that he like reading a particular genre like crime, fiction, thriller or say love etc, he simply lies to his own reader's soul less knowing but more unconsciously. A true reader always ready to read a masterpiece weather he knows or not. Something similar happened to me when I'd read 'Golbetrotting for love' and other stories from Sakhalin island.
You know my growing love towards Russia, and you might've had a glimpse of my imagination to the world you created for me and other readers. Specially the story GFL the central character girl was really fascinating, in beginning I had a general view of sympathy to her which later grown to practical nature when life offers it's best to her and best part unlike Hindi movies two rather three of her lovers ended up giving a full toast to what they lived with her.( I was expecting some hot muscle struggle at some point of time ha ha ha...) but you made its simply awesome (Leaving Debashish on a suspense note :-) .
The Korean Russian boy's story was really touching this was a masterpiece when we think that how deep you are connected to the land of Russia and Sakhalin, this was never possible without immersing deepest of you into the natural seas and still evolving dry with reality not mere imagination.
The 40 year old bachelor was an inspiration form nowhere , when many people gives up and compromises at certain stage this guy was like given up forever right from childhood with literally no expectations from life and dumping his emotions and can say living other's emotions suddenly gets a spark and start a life of his own more suited to him, which gives him purpose and most needed happy purpose to his life. Amazing Ajay Dada,....Hats off to you.
The Old lady is none else than real Russia, she represents real Russian emotion and the missing family, social sentiments which were gems and jewels of Indian Russian upbringing on those which were deeply eradicated post 90's era and by so called globalization. When a simple ambassador of humanity never ever gave up her true integrity and beliefs in hardest circumstances of life other Russians and I will add Indians somewhat should never compromise with their values and roots. I am too small to write a review on this story specially, this really gave me goosebumps in the end after her moral victory. This is a masterpiece for me which I mentioned in one of the above columns.
Always want to write longer as my instinct drives me deeper to the realization of the experience your book added to my life. I try to say that your book GTL and stories from Sakhalin Island is simply superb irrespective of Space time limits as this freedom to imagine a world more connected to simple human beings living on earth. This could be well read by any literate doesn't matters he lives in Sakhalin, Russia or far west of the globe.
Thanks Ajay Kamlakaran for bringing Russia closer to me and readers many more in India.
Pushkar
May 10, 2018
A brilliant collection of stories is not the right word here but I am forced to use it since I could not find anything superior to praise this book. Writing a novel is comparatively easier than writing a dozen of short stories since you need to show a variation in each and every story which the author has successfully achieved it through this book.
His profession of being an editor in Sakhalin Times in a small place called Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk for around 5 years is clearly visible in his writings. Having said that, I should also appreciate the usage of few Russian words here and there which has made even a novice like me to learn some of them. For instance I now know Khorosho stands for Okay, Gopniks means a petty thief/robber or bandit.
If you ask me to pick the favorite story among this collection, it is difficult but I would still go for the very first story "The Cleaning Lady" where it is all about the self esteem of a lady who would not compromise her character for anything. There were various other stories which talks about ethnic conflicts, love, betrayal, sudden found fortune, etc to name a few.
The place Sakhalin rose to prominence due to the discovery of oil resources which saw the sudden splurge in the economy due to the availability of liquid cash. This made the place to be frequented by Westerners and native Russians who came seeking for better prospects. This was something similar to that of KGF(Kolar Gold Fields) which was buzzing with Gold excavation activities for few years though the geography and economy was completely different.
To sum it up, I would surely recommend this book to be read and it is certainly a class apart as it exhibits the brilliance and real life experience of the author which has been caught vividly through various short stories in this book.
His profession of being an editor in Sakhalin Times in a small place called Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk for around 5 years is clearly visible in his writings. Having said that, I should also appreciate the usage of few Russian words here and there which has made even a novice like me to learn some of them. For instance I now know Khorosho stands for Okay, Gopniks means a petty thief/robber or bandit.
If you ask me to pick the favorite story among this collection, it is difficult but I would still go for the very first story "The Cleaning Lady" where it is all about the self esteem of a lady who would not compromise her character for anything. There were various other stories which talks about ethnic conflicts, love, betrayal, sudden found fortune, etc to name a few.
The place Sakhalin rose to prominence due to the discovery of oil resources which saw the sudden splurge in the economy due to the availability of liquid cash. This made the place to be frequented by Westerners and native Russians who came seeking for better prospects. This was something similar to that of KGF(Kolar Gold Fields) which was buzzing with Gold excavation activities for few years though the geography and economy was completely different.
To sum it up, I would surely recommend this book to be read and it is certainly a class apart as it exhibits the brilliance and real life experience of the author which has been caught vividly through various short stories in this book.
May 24, 2018
It took a bit longer than expected to post this review. I am rightfully eligible to ask for an humble excuse from the author in return of 'Chhole' he tasted.
I am a bad book reader almost with no reading habit at all let me tell you, this story book is not only adorable but very close to mine and my hubby's lives. I'd not only read it rather enjoyed it but also experienced its charm closely. Though my favorite story is "The cleaning Lady" where the central character was chosen wisely by the author and given a very unpredictable nature to her character. The story gives a picture of 'Woman of substance' in the end.
'Daira' was awesome, as an Indian reader you can predict the collective fate of of all specially Daira the super charming girl with enthusiastic dreams. In India imagining,creating characters like hers till mid 1990's was social offence specially in smaller towns but 'Daira' suits current Indian generation and shall be liked by most of the girls (some boys too) as the book reaches more readers in India. Devashish's character is eternal as men do not change much, they remain same in all ages or generations only the fashion differs.
'April' reminds me of a character in my family. Too close.
I have not finished reading and I hope I could complete the book while travelling by train this week. I have a right to say I am one of the special readers of this story book by AK, and 'Globetrotting for love' will always keep a special place in my heart for lots of good reasons. Thanks AK for creating a master piece, you deserve best of success and great heights. After all of us wait for your next book launch in our city.
Enjoy reading 'Globetrotting for love' and other stories from Sakhalin Island.
Yamini
I am a bad book reader almost with no reading habit at all let me tell you, this story book is not only adorable but very close to mine and my hubby's lives. I'd not only read it rather enjoyed it but also experienced its charm closely. Though my favorite story is "The cleaning Lady" where the central character was chosen wisely by the author and given a very unpredictable nature to her character. The story gives a picture of 'Woman of substance' in the end.
'Daira' was awesome, as an Indian reader you can predict the collective fate of of all specially Daira the super charming girl with enthusiastic dreams. In India imagining,creating characters like hers till mid 1990's was social offence specially in smaller towns but 'Daira' suits current Indian generation and shall be liked by most of the girls (some boys too) as the book reaches more readers in India. Devashish's character is eternal as men do not change much, they remain same in all ages or generations only the fashion differs.
'April' reminds me of a character in my family. Too close.
I have not finished reading and I hope I could complete the book while travelling by train this week. I have a right to say I am one of the special readers of this story book by AK, and 'Globetrotting for love' will always keep a special place in my heart for lots of good reasons. Thanks AK for creating a master piece, you deserve best of success and great heights. After all of us wait for your next book launch in our city.
Enjoy reading 'Globetrotting for love' and other stories from Sakhalin Island.
Yamini
January 17, 2020
I came to know about Sakhalin, a rather unexplored island in Far Far East of Russia through Ajay Kamalakaran when he was featured in the podcast The Musafir Stories podcast and I was intrigued to hear about the island since Russia seems like such a far-far land sleeping in isolation and more so, Sakhalin which is even more secluded from the mainland Russia.
"Globetrotting for love and other stories" is published by Times group books. It is a collection of short stories from the island Sakhalin. It touches upon the various aspects of the island ranging from its multi-ethnic culture, the struggles of collapsing the USSR and it's pleasant winters and not so happening spring when the ice is melting and it's mud all over. The stories are personal yet mixed with such Sakhlin flavor as personal life is affected by the politics and economy around.
I particularly loved the story where a man believes that being born on 29th February is a curse; for him and his friend but his claims are shattered by his mother who tells that she had requested to make her son's birthday on 29th February as he was born at 11 pm in 28th February. I got to know about a few dishes which are popular there.
The stories were funny, full of local details that Ajay brings out beautifully. The podcast helped me understand things better and it was easier for me to comprehend the Sakhalin culture.
"Globetrotting for love and other stories" is published by Times group books. It is a collection of short stories from the island Sakhalin. It touches upon the various aspects of the island ranging from its multi-ethnic culture, the struggles of collapsing the USSR and it's pleasant winters and not so happening spring when the ice is melting and it's mud all over. The stories are personal yet mixed with such Sakhlin flavor as personal life is affected by the politics and economy around.
I particularly loved the story where a man believes that being born on 29th February is a curse; for him and his friend but his claims are shattered by his mother who tells that she had requested to make her son's birthday on 29th February as he was born at 11 pm in 28th February. I got to know about a few dishes which are popular there.
The stories were funny, full of local details that Ajay brings out beautifully. The podcast helped me understand things better and it was easier for me to comprehend the Sakhalin culture.
December 13, 2018
Transports the reader to Sakhalin.
Globetrotting for Love and other stories transports the reader to the beautiful Russian Sakhalin Island. The author brings the readers with him on a trip to the chilly Russian island and shows us the island is not just about its oil and energy resources but also its people. The different stories in the book depict the various faces of the island and different types of people one may encounter there. The characters are all well etched out and remain true to their soul. There are friendships and romance, but betrayal seems to be a common theme. Some of the emotions range from loneliness to desperation and everything in between. The book gives us a different view of situations which otherwise could have been viewed as strange by those unfamiliar with the Russian way of life. A good book can take you places you have never been before, this one can take you to Sakhalin. If you are looking for a book that you will enjoy while also learning a lot about a new culture and place, then this is the one you should pick.
In short, this book is a portkey to Sakhalin Island.
Globetrotting for Love and other stories transports the reader to the beautiful Russian Sakhalin Island. The author brings the readers with him on a trip to the chilly Russian island and shows us the island is not just about its oil and energy resources but also its people. The different stories in the book depict the various faces of the island and different types of people one may encounter there. The characters are all well etched out and remain true to their soul. There are friendships and romance, but betrayal seems to be a common theme. Some of the emotions range from loneliness to desperation and everything in between. The book gives us a different view of situations which otherwise could have been viewed as strange by those unfamiliar with the Russian way of life. A good book can take you places you have never been before, this one can take you to Sakhalin. If you are looking for a book that you will enjoy while also learning a lot about a new culture and place, then this is the one you should pick.
In short, this book is a portkey to Sakhalin Island.
July 10, 2018
What a book! Set in the virtually unknown and remote island of Sakhalin, the stories are of a unique essence which beautifully encompass the rich history and culture. The vivid imagery and the descriptive language marry to paint a most extraordinary image in the reader’s mind making it a most irresistible read. The book is filled with many original and intriguing short stories. His extensive knowledge and experience in the subject matter is portrayed creatively through the brilliant manipulation of language, form and text structure. Overall, “a book that you cannot put down unless you finish” is a perfect description for “Globetrotting for love” and would definitely recommend it to any fellow passionate readers.
- Archana
- Archana
January 12, 2019
The book comprises of a set of crisply written, wide-ranging tales from Russia’s Far East. Each story is beautifully detailed with an engaging plot, and it is tough to tell the book is entirely a work of fiction, which is testament to Ajay’s abilities as a writer.
By way of his writing, Ajay transports the reader to the tiny island of Sakhalin, and allows one to vividly imagine what life in one of Russia’s farthest most corners must have been like.
It is evident that Ajay has a great understanding of cultural nuances and societal norms in Russia, and much to the reader’s benefit, is able to capture it in his book effortlessly.
It is the perfect light read for anyone looking to gain a basic understanding of life in Russia while being thoroughly entertained!
By way of his writing, Ajay transports the reader to the tiny island of Sakhalin, and allows one to vividly imagine what life in one of Russia’s farthest most corners must have been like.
It is evident that Ajay has a great understanding of cultural nuances and societal norms in Russia, and much to the reader’s benefit, is able to capture it in his book effortlessly.
It is the perfect light read for anyone looking to gain a basic understanding of life in Russia while being thoroughly entertained!
April 24, 2019
Despite the fact that I live not far away (by Russian standards) from Sakhalin Island, I did not know a lot about this corner of the globe and things which took place there not long ago. The flourish of foreign business, many people from Europe and Asia living and trying to coexist with Sakhaliners, mass media in foreign languages and many other things, which are would not have to be intrinsic to the island on the edge of the world. "Globetrotting for love" let me know all of that. The stories are very different: some will make you laugh a lot, some will make you reflect, and some may even inspire to change something in your life.
You will not find an intricate plot here. It is just life as it is.
A wonderful collection of short stories. Highly recommend.
You will not find an intricate plot here. It is just life as it is.
A wonderful collection of short stories. Highly recommend.
January 5, 2018
A very enjoyable reading, poetic , touching and humourous !
Globetrotting for love and other stories does the magic of transporting you in far away unknown lands with such sensibility and grace and the author masters so well the description of places and characters that, at the end of the book , you are not only left with the desire to visit the same places but even with the impression to know already some of them , to have tasted the food and drank and to have somehow met the people of it. Ajay Kamalakaran is an exceptional story teller and his book is certainly entertaining .
Globetrotting for love and other stories does the magic of transporting you in far away unknown lands with such sensibility and grace and the author masters so well the description of places and characters that, at the end of the book , you are not only left with the desire to visit the same places but even with the impression to know already some of them , to have tasted the food and drank and to have somehow met the people of it. Ajay Kamalakaran is an exceptional story teller and his book is certainly entertaining .
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