Farewell to Russia: a journey through the former USSR with Joe Luc Barnes

When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, fifteen new nations emerged. But thirty‑five years later, what has become of them?

In the aftermath of Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine, writer and journalist Joe Luc Barnes journeyed across the former USSR to find out. Travelling from the Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan to the former gulags of Kazakhstan, from tech‑powered Estonia to the sun‑drenched vineyards of Georgia, he uncovers the vastly different paths these countries have taken since independence.

Barnes is in Moscow when the invasion begins, and he ends his journey in war‑scarred Kyiv. The result is a deeply human and darkly comic portrait of a region the West still often misunderstands — and a powerful warning about what happens when empires fall, but the mindset of empire remains.

Perfect for readers who enjoy The Silk Roads, Nothing to Envy, The Places in Between, or the travel writing of Bill Bryson.

Joe will be signing copies of his book after the talk.

Key information about booking:

• The event starts at 6.30pm
• The event is suitable for adults
• Please purchase a ticket for each person attending.
• There is a charge of £3 per ticket
• Booking is essential, so be quick to avoid disappointment
• Please arrive 10 minutes early
• Books will be available to purchase on the day.

About the Author

Joe Barnes is a British writer and journalist generally covering the former Soviet Union, but perennially curious about other topics. His work has appeared in The Financial Times, Nikkei Asia, The Diplomat, The Times of Central Asia, Riddle Russia, and Vlast.

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If you are not able to or do not wish to provide us with any contact details (landline or mobile number and email address) you won’t be able to purchase a ticket online. Please visit the library that is hosting the event to purchase a ticket in person.

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