The Amur River

A miraculous late-style masterpiece, the equal of any of [Thubron’s] earlier works, which will cement his reputation as one of our greatest prose writers in any genre… The Amur River is not just a literary triumph in itself, it is also a demonstration of the continued power of great travel writing

– William Dalrymple * Daily Telegraph *
A fascinating read packed with curiosities and incident * The Times *
Thubron’s journey makes for a gripping read…with fascinating political insight * Sunday Times *
Excellent… Thubron’s observations are perceptive and lightly delivered * Literary Review *
[Thubron] summons both landscape and people with nuanced sensitivity… Here is a writer at the top of his game, one from whom those toiling on the lower slopes have much to learn * Spectator *
Given Thubron’s age, this may be his last major travel book: but he has chosen an important subject, a place where huge geopolitical forces meet and, like tectonic plates, push at each other. When the result could be an earthquake, it’s worth paying attention – Isabel Lloyd * Tablet *
More even than before, Thubron’s prose rings with the knowledge of truths too deep for words – Nikhil Krishnan * Oldie *
A mesmerising travel narrative – Charlotte Runcie * Daily Telegraph *
The Amur River is never monotonous… Thubron never goes for vague atmospherics. He writes brilliantly about the region’s wildlife and folklore, and there are moments of humour to leaven the atmosphere… Historical episodes enrich the travelogue at perfectly calibrated intervals… One can only marvel that he completed his journey and be thankful that this marvellous book came out of it – Jonathan Buckley * Times Literary Supplement *
It’s a powerful, relevant tale worthy of his best work * Wanderlust *