Arktika

by Oliver Walston

The North East Passage was first conquered in 1932. It then remained the most inaccessible part of the Soviet empire until 1991, when the nuclear icebreaker "Arktika" left Murmansk and headed east into the Barents Sea. On board was the author, who became the first Englishman to navigate the route.

320 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1994

Reviews

[Peter]

Oliver Walston was a gentleman farmer and lecturer from Dorset who in 1991 managed to get himself invited as a guest and sailed from Murmansk to Vladivostock along the North East Passage north of Russia largely on the eponimous Soviet icebreaker Arktika becoming the first British person to complete the voyage. This is the time of perestroika, Yeltsin has just been voted into power and Russia is keen to promote this route as an alternative to the Suez Canal.

Although there were some restrictions placed on Walston's movements, as he openly admits himself, he was largely given free rein to go wherever and talk to whomever he liked within the ship. He went up on numerous flights on the ship's own helicopter and this is his travelgue.

Walston made himself popular with virtually all of the ship's crew which meant that they were willing to speak openly with him about their lives but also a willingness to give him local knowledge of the history of the area.

Overall I found this an interesting and informative if not the greatest writing that gave me a greater respect for the men and women who work in this harsh part of the planet.