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Wind of Change: An American Journey in Post-Soviet Russia
"...A remarkable, adventure-packed odyssey in Russia....ÌýIt will challenge readers to think more critically about international relations and world governments."
San Francisco Book Review
Ìý
Armed with youthful optimism, a degree in Russian Area Studies, and a desire to contribute to post-Cold War Russian/American relations, Kenneth Maher thought he'd landed his dream job when he joined a US company in unraveling former Communist Russia. Despite his best intentions, he may have gotten just a bit more than he'd bargained for.Ìý
Ìý
Wind of Change Ìýis a keenly observed, insightful, and wry outsider's look at a nation and people in transition and the systems that wield the power, but not the appetite, for progress. Illuminating the communication and cultural breakdowns —from the comical and harrowing—alongside a memorable cast of characters, Maher takes his readers on an unforgettable journey through the Soviet Union and back again.ÌýÌý
Ìý
With astute cultural and political insights and a healthy dose of humor, Wind of Change delivers a front-row seat to the post-Soviet breakdown that foreshadowed Russia's return to authoritarianism.
San Francisco Book Review
Ìý
Armed with youthful optimism, a degree in Russian Area Studies, and a desire to contribute to post-Cold War Russian/American relations, Kenneth Maher thought he'd landed his dream job when he joined a US company in unraveling former Communist Russia. Despite his best intentions, he may have gotten just a bit more than he'd bargained for.Ìý
Ìý
Wind of Change Ìýis a keenly observed, insightful, and wry outsider's look at a nation and people in transition and the systems that wield the power, but not the appetite, for progress. Illuminating the communication and cultural breakdowns —from the comical and harrowing—alongside a memorable cast of characters, Maher takes his readers on an unforgettable journey through the Soviet Union and back again.ÌýÌý
Ìý
With astute cultural and political insights and a healthy dose of humor, Wind of Change delivers a front-row seat to the post-Soviet breakdown that foreshadowed Russia's return to authoritarianism.
282 pages, Paperback
Published September 7, 2022
17 people are currently reading
2,166 people want to read
About the author
Kenneth Maher
2Ìýbooks33ÌýfollowersTry "Wind of Change: an American Journey in Post Soviet Russia," a memoir of my time doing business in Russia in 1991.
Kenneth Maher had a passion for foreign languages and politics, which led him to obtain a master’s degree in Russian Area Studies while simultaneously working as an intern at the U.S. Capitol. After several years traveling in the former Soviet Union, Kenneth returned to school for his M.B.A., followed by a long career as a business executive. He worked and traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and India. Kenneth paused his business career in response to the 9/11 attacks to serve as a military intelligence officer in Iraq. When not working or writing, Kenneth spends his time learning a new language (currently Italian) or enjoying a fascinating book.
Kenneth Maher had a passion for foreign languages and politics, which led him to obtain a master’s degree in Russian Area Studies while simultaneously working as an intern at the U.S. Capitol. After several years traveling in the former Soviet Union, Kenneth returned to school for his M.B.A., followed by a long career as a business executive. He worked and traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and India. Kenneth paused his business career in response to the 9/11 attacks to serve as a military intelligence officer in Iraq. When not working or writing, Kenneth spends his time learning a new language (currently Italian) or enjoying a fascinating book.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 26, 2023
Each of the chapters tells a hilarious story about people struggling to understand the change from a command economy to capitalism. A unique recollection of events from someone who was actually there. There were moments of cultural naivete, people stuck in old ways and a desperate feeling that the hope of that brief moment had to be grabbed quickly before it was gone. And, of course, it was fleeting. Satirical and ironic, with pangs of outright humor, I recommend this book. Hearing stories from someone who was actually there in 1991 trying to do business was eye opening.
May 7, 2023
The blurb is kind of important.
Try "Wind of Change: an American Journey in Post-Soviet Russia," a memoir of my time doing business in Russia in 1991.
Kenneth Maher had a passion for foreign languages and politics, which led him to obtain a master’s degree in Russian Area Studies while simultaneously working as an intern at the U.S. Capitol. After several years traveling in the former Soviet Union, Kenneth returned to school for his M.B.A., followed by a long career as a business executive. He worked and traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and India. Kenneth paused his business career in response to the 9/11 attacks to serve as a military intelligence officer in Iraq.
While reading the book, I concluded that this was a personal memoir, and in that sense, it was well-confirmed in this genre. The 'sting' of dirty politics and clandestine operations did not feature. The optimism of a nation to escape decades of authoritarian rule, and Americans hoping to expand interests into Russia, bringing optimism and hope, brought former foes to the negotiation tables, but the outcomes left both sides perhaps disillusioned and even disappointed. Kenneth Maher was well qualified for his role, although it would be his first encounter with the real world of international politics and business in 1992.
There is, of course, much information available about this era by journalists and political analysts. One American author comes to mind. John Perkins, author of several books, including Confessions Of An Economic Hit Man and Hoodwinked . He throws a more sinister light on the events, which Mr. Maher avoided in this memoir, perhaps by choice. His academic background confirms that he was well informed of the global situation and also would later serve as a military intelligence agent in the Middle East.
Another excellent choice as a companion read is Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets by Svetlana Alexievich, Bela Shayevich (Translator). Svetlana Alexievich noted that Russians considered the romance with capitalism short-lived. They quickly fell in, and then out of love with this new ideology. Many examples were provided in her book of why it did not work in their culture.
These three books mentioned above were the background from which I approached Kenneth Maher's memoir. The American side of the story was fascinating particularly since the author was in his early twenties and had to deal with a totally different culture. It is uncertain if he was aware of people such as John Perkins who operated on the same playing field with a more sinister memoir to share. The memoir simplified—added a touch of veneer� to an otherwise much deeper agenda on either side as witnessed and reported by other players.
This memoir is about the personal impressions and adventures of a young person in a foreign country that would shape the rest of his life. The immense cold, the discovery of new dietary options, often comical, and meeting ordinary people who only wanted to build a better future was really well done. The personal feelings and experiences were refreshing to read. It's a different take on events, and to me personally, an enjoyable read.
A good edit might have lessened some repetitive elements, but otherwise a good experience for the reader and worth the time.
Try "Wind of Change: an American Journey in Post-Soviet Russia," a memoir of my time doing business in Russia in 1991.
Kenneth Maher had a passion for foreign languages and politics, which led him to obtain a master’s degree in Russian Area Studies while simultaneously working as an intern at the U.S. Capitol. After several years traveling in the former Soviet Union, Kenneth returned to school for his M.B.A., followed by a long career as a business executive. He worked and traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and India. Kenneth paused his business career in response to the 9/11 attacks to serve as a military intelligence officer in Iraq.
While reading the book, I concluded that this was a personal memoir, and in that sense, it was well-confirmed in this genre. The 'sting' of dirty politics and clandestine operations did not feature. The optimism of a nation to escape decades of authoritarian rule, and Americans hoping to expand interests into Russia, bringing optimism and hope, brought former foes to the negotiation tables, but the outcomes left both sides perhaps disillusioned and even disappointed. Kenneth Maher was well qualified for his role, although it would be his first encounter with the real world of international politics and business in 1992.
There is, of course, much information available about this era by journalists and political analysts. One American author comes to mind. John Perkins, author of several books, including Confessions Of An Economic Hit Man and Hoodwinked . He throws a more sinister light on the events, which Mr. Maher avoided in this memoir, perhaps by choice. His academic background confirms that he was well informed of the global situation and also would later serve as a military intelligence agent in the Middle East.
Another excellent choice as a companion read is Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets by Svetlana Alexievich, Bela Shayevich (Translator). Svetlana Alexievich noted that Russians considered the romance with capitalism short-lived. They quickly fell in, and then out of love with this new ideology. Many examples were provided in her book of why it did not work in their culture.
These three books mentioned above were the background from which I approached Kenneth Maher's memoir. The American side of the story was fascinating particularly since the author was in his early twenties and had to deal with a totally different culture. It is uncertain if he was aware of people such as John Perkins who operated on the same playing field with a more sinister memoir to share. The memoir simplified—added a touch of veneer� to an otherwise much deeper agenda on either side as witnessed and reported by other players.
This memoir is about the personal impressions and adventures of a young person in a foreign country that would shape the rest of his life. The immense cold, the discovery of new dietary options, often comical, and meeting ordinary people who only wanted to build a better future was really well done. The personal feelings and experiences were refreshing to read. It's a different take on events, and to me personally, an enjoyable read.
A good edit might have lessened some repetitive elements, but otherwise a good experience for the reader and worth the time.
April 18, 2023
A wide-eyed and innocent-abroad account from the early business landscape of the Russian Federation. Detail from this period of transition from Soviet Command Economy to the free market is rare and this is a valuable first-person record of those crazy wild-west days. The writing is naive and enthusiastic and could have used a good editor, but it was still enjoyable to read.
April 9, 2023
This may have grabbed me more because of the war between Russia and Ukraine happening now. Maybe because of the vile things Putin is doing. Either way I thoroughly enjoyed the read and appreciated all the author put into this.
December 15, 2022
A very well written and personable approach to a complicated relationship
When it comes to first hand accounts, they can be tricky to read. Sometimes the author comes across as brash and arrogant, and sometimes the author comes across as dry and uninformed. Ken Maher is neither.
A true storyteller, Ken’s recap of his interactions provides the reader with a full picture of his surroundings and allows them to feel like their sitting right there in the room with him. His rollercoaster of an experience abroad was interesting to read, and his writing is smooth and easy to follow.
Would absolutely recommend to anyone who wants to get a glimpse into post soviet Russia from an author who knows how to keep the reader engaged.
When it comes to first hand accounts, they can be tricky to read. Sometimes the author comes across as brash and arrogant, and sometimes the author comes across as dry and uninformed. Ken Maher is neither.
A true storyteller, Ken’s recap of his interactions provides the reader with a full picture of his surroundings and allows them to feel like their sitting right there in the room with him. His rollercoaster of an experience abroad was interesting to read, and his writing is smooth and easy to follow.
Would absolutely recommend to anyone who wants to get a glimpse into post soviet Russia from an author who knows how to keep the reader engaged.
February 11, 2023
Won this on goodreads giveaways. This book was an interesting read . I recommend reading this book .
September 24, 2024
I worked in Russia on a series of short term projects for State & USDA/Foreign Service-went to same town/same hotel/same eating establishment as author!
His summary of the political climate, the sorts of people who had somehow taken charge of hotels, supermarkets-every business is spot on.
There were times where one laughed, others when one wanted to cry out since so many aspects of life were so foreign, so mis-managed, so bizarre.
In looking back...a great experience but as the author said-such a missed opportunity. The reality of today/Putin/Ukraine-worst outcome.
His summary of the political climate, the sorts of people who had somehow taken charge of hotels, supermarkets-every business is spot on.
There were times where one laughed, others when one wanted to cry out since so many aspects of life were so foreign, so mis-managed, so bizarre.
In looking back...a great experience but as the author said-such a missed opportunity. The reality of today/Putin/Ukraine-worst outcome.
January 16, 2023
Russia has been on the world's mind since their invasion of Ukraine, and like so many people, I knew very little about the workings/history of Russia until it was brought to the forefront. This book is a great way to get insightful and relevant knowledge about Russia, especially as someone unfamiliar with the topic. It's clear Maher knows what he's talking about, and I'd highly recommend this to anyone seeking insight into post-soviet Russia, as well as worldly implications.
June 20, 2023
Needed an Editor
This was a somewhat interesting account of a short-lived period of Russian history, but could have been a much more engaging read if it had been well edited.
This was a somewhat interesting account of a short-lived period of Russian history, but could have been a much more engaging read if it had been well edited.
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