THE AMUR RIVER Between Russia and China

Narrator Jonathan Keeble deftly conveys the majesty of the Amur River, which runs between Russia and China, while also realistically introducing 80-year-old author Colin Thubron. Listeners accompany him and various escorts, guides, and locals through Mongolia and Russia. Keeble's evocative descriptions of the vastly different settings, food and drink (aplenty), and colorful characters are center stage. Riveting historical, political, and geographical details abound, and the mutual hatred between the Chinese and Russians is palpable. Most pleasurable are Thubron's well-rendered conversations with individuals, some in Mandarin and Russian. The Amur--still a highly contested border--is always gloriously present, adding to this exhilarating listen. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2021]