A Train to Potevka

“A Train to Potevka” by Mike Ramsdell was our book choice for April 2018. 

This is a fictionalized memoir, where the author shares stories of his life as a CIA covert operative serving in the former Soviet Union in the transitional time of the late 80’s and early 90’s. The author tells true stories with facts and names and locations changed to protect individuals and US interests. The story he shares is fascinating and rich with insights on the huge changes occurring in Russia/USSR during the time of his service for the US government. It's clear that he has spent many years studying this part of the world and has a unique perspective on the changes and problems facing the people there.

We found the experience of his abandonment, the starvation--the terrible crux of the story, a particularly bad episode of an operation gone bad to be a page turner. He was wounded and had to flee across Siberia on a train with no food, no weapons, disconnected from his headquarters and hide out in (fictionalized named town) Potevka before being whisked out of the country. As a member of the LDS faith, several of his stories pertain to how he felt spiritually moved or lifted during some of these times of trial. Some were incredible, but also wonderfully uplifting and unexpected.

Our book club thoroughly enjoyed this book and discussed at length the fascinating events that he was a part of. Everything from how difficult the experience of riding a train with no food and barely any fluids for days on end would have been, to how tender it was for him to run into LDS missionaries in Moscow. He shares how he met his second wife, and the unique romance is a very sweet part of his story.

It was an easy to read book, mostly because it was hard to put down. The insights and adventures, as well as his disappointments and flaws are a refreshing look into a spy adventure that is unique and quite different from any other we had read. Great read!