Evan Gershkovich is the Wall Street journalist who was accused of being a spy. He spent 17 months in several Russian prisons. This Cursed Beautiful Land is his rendering of his life before, during and after his imprisonment.

Gershkovich is a fine writer and his description of his life especially before and during the time he spent in prisons are clear, concise and vivid. If you are interested in prison stories and Russian politics, and I am, I encourage you to read This Cursed Beautiful Land.