What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

This book was written by a journalist living in Russia when the USSR was dismantled, around 1990. It's mostly about the chaos of daily life during that time, maybe for a few years after that. Each chapter is a different issue. One story in particular that I remember was about the military being disorganized and how the soldiers were hazing and killing each other. Other stories were about food shortages, housing, etc. My Russian friend lived there during this time and told me this book accurately described what things were like then. I want a friend to read it and I can't find the name of it or the author.

Was the journalist Russian, or some other nationality?

I'm pretty sure some other nationality. My internet searches brought up several political analysis type books during this time period. This was not that. It was just a guy, and I think maybe his wife was with him, living there and describing what it was like.

The New Russians by Hedrick Smith?

Thanks so much, but after reading the reviews of it, I don't think that is it.

Also, the book was hardback and maybe around 250 to 300 pages, about an inch thick.

Last Boat to Astrakhan: A Russian Memoir 1990-1996?
Summary says there are "strands of art literature, politics, history, economics..." interwoven, so maybe it's not your book.

Thanks....I will check it out. Even if that isn't it, sounds like it would be interesting and maybe have similar stories.

Pam, do you remember how many years ago you read the book?
Anything about the cover?

I read it about 5 years ago. I'm not sure about the cover. I discovered a book called "Lost and Found in Russia" that might be it......getting it from the library to check it out.

Pam, was "Lost and Found in Russia" your book or are you still looking?

That was not it, still looking, thanks for asking.

is it this? (I hope so, haven't solved one of these in ages!)

Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible: The Surreal Heart of the New Russia

Thanks for trying, but I don't think that's it.

Still looking now?

No response, moving to Abandoned folder.

Pam (OP) was last active on the site in January 2020.