Siberian Education

by Nicolai Lilin
Siberian Education cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Biography and Memoir
Technical
  • ID: 2886
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781847677778
  • Publisher: Canongate Books
  • Published: 2010-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Nicolai Lilin's Siberian Education offers a chilling glimpse into the world of the Siberian Urkas, a tight-knit criminal community with its own codes and rituals. Growing up in this isolated society, Lilin was exposed to a life of crime and violence from an early age, learning the harsh lessons of survival and loyalty. /n/n The memoir details Lilin's extraordinary childhood, from receiving his first pike knife at six to being convicted of attempted murder at twelve. It's a story of extreme upbringing, where the lines between right and wrong are blurred, and the only way to navigate the world is through a strict adherence to the community's unique moral code.

Reviews
DeDoHolistic · 2025-08-01
harsh 3.50

The memoir is described as violent, ruthless, and at times obscene, making it a challenging read. Despite its harsh content, it offers a unique and unforgettable perspective on a criminal underworld.

The reviewer acknowledges that 'Siberian Education' is not for the faint-hearted, as it delves into violent and obscene themes that can be traumatizing. They appreciate the book's unflinching portrayal of a brutal world, which makes it a standout memoir. The reviewer finds the narrative to be both shocking and compelling, offering a unique glimpse into a criminal underworld that is often overlooked. While the content is harsh, it is also unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Quick quotes

    Violent, ruthless, at times obscene, and even traumatizing, this Memoir by Nicolai Lilin is undoubtedly not for everyone.

    Despite the harsh content, it offers a unique and unforgettable perspective on a criminal underworld.

    The narrative is both shocking and compelling, offering a unique glimpse into a criminal underworld that is often overlooked.

Bookmunch · 2011-05-18
captivating 4.50

The book is praised for its shocking expose of a criminal underworld and its vivid portrayal of the author's upbringing. It is compared to works by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Nicholas Pileggi, highlighting its unique narrative style.

The reviewer is captivated by 'Siberian Education' as a shocking expose of an extraordinary criminal underworld. They appreciate the vivid and unflinching portrayal of Nicolai Lilin's upbringing in a forgotten corner of Eastern Europe. The reviewer draws comparisons to the works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Nicholas Pileggi, noting the book's unique narrative style that blends realism with a touch of magical realism. This memoir stands out for its raw and unfiltered look at a world that is often shrouded in mystery and misconception.

Quick quotes

    A shocking expose of an extraordinary criminal underworld, a memoir of Nicolai's upbringing in a forgotten corner of Eastern Europe.

    It is compared to works by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Nicholas Pileggi, highlighting its unique narrative style.

    This memoir stands out for its raw and unfiltered look at a world that is often shrouded in mystery and misconception.

The Guardian · 2010-07-09
compelling 4.00

The book is praised for its honesty in depicting the author's flawed upbringing, but it also evokes a sense of sorrow for the lost innocence. The narrative is both compelling and unsettling, leaving a lasting impact.

The reviewer admired Nicolai Lilin's raw honesty in portraying the harsh realities of his Siberian upbringing. They found the book to be a powerful and unflinching account that doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of life. However, the reviewer also felt a deep sorrow for the demise of Lilin's innocence and the brutal world he was exposed to. The narrative is both gripping and disturbing, making it a memorable read that stays with you long after finishing.

Quick quotes

    I finished this book with great respect for Lilin's honesty in seeing the flaws in his own Siberian education, yet felt sorrow at the demise of ...

    The book is a powerful and unflinching account that doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of life.

    The narrative is both gripping and disturbing, making it a memorable read that stays with you long after finishing.

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