I happened upon a copy of The Gentleman from Finland in a Little Free Library in Seattle.

The author and I both live in the Seattle area. I found myself drawn to the book as the author and I both travel solo and this book is his story of riding the Trans-Siberian Express. As a solo traveler (I call myself a “solo nomad”), I don’t meet many kindred spirits who like to travel solo. In pondering The Gentleman from Finland – and in purchasing another of his books – I began to ponder solo travelers. I searched online, as a result of wondering about other solo travelers who I don’t often find among my own acquaintances and because of this book, and was pleased to discover a website dedicated to solo travelers.

When I brought this book home a few months ago and read it, I laughed so hard that I cried. Robert M. Goldstein’s willingness to write about his crazy mishaps riding the Trans-Siberian Express across the Soviet Union (he’s a train enthusiast) had me navigating a tension – I wanted to savor each hilarious moment in the book, yet anxiously wanted to turn the page to read what was going to happen next. It takes a certain wit and perhaps a self-deprecating outlook to be entertained by life’s mishaps.

I so thoroughly enjoyed this book that I gave a copy of the book to a friend and checked to find out if he’s written more books. Fortunately, he’s written two more accounts of his travels. I needed a few months to savor this book before tackling another of Goldstein’s books. I have now ordered his travel biography Riding With Reindeer and very much look forward to reading it.

Bibliophile Kim Burkhardt reviews books at The Books of the Ages. If you are a new visitor, it would be great to have you follow this blog (thank you!). If you know someone who would like this blog, please share it with them (thank you!).