Restless Valley: Revolution, Murder and Intrigue in the Heart of Central Asia

Former Wall Street Journal reporter Shishkin offers an engaging, enlightening look at a lesser-known, yet increasingly vital part of the world. Focusing upon the former Soviet republics of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, he examines how the two countries, tied together by history and culture, have experienced decades of chaos, upheaval, and crime since their 1991 independence. Shishkin vividly explores, through first-hand experience, interviews, and public record, the sort of events which could fuel a doz-en action movies. From revolutions and dictators, to massive financial conspiracies and criminal em-pires, independence opened up a world of opportunity for those ruthless or determined enough to take it. Shishkin tackles the thorny relationship between the United States and repressive Uzbekistan, a vi-tal staging area for the war in Afghanistan. He delves into the complicated, bloody conflict between the Uzbek and Kyrgyz peoples; speaks of folk heroes and modern-day villains; and details the rise and fall of crime lords and politicians. Neither history nor policy analysis, "Rather, it is an attempt to re-construct Central Asia's most dramatic recent episodes." While the narrative meanders, it's a fascinat-ing expose from a man who knows the region intimately. Agent: Ethan Bassof, Lippincott Massie McQuilkin. (May)