Where the Jews Aren't: The Sad and Absurd Story of Birobidzhan, Russia's Jewish Autonomous Region (Jewish Encounters Series) Hardcover – August 23, 2016

Really enjoyed this book on Birobidzhan from Massha Gessen. Highly recommended as an introduction to both Soviet Jewish oppression (especially of Yiddish cultural artists) and the more specific topic of the Jewish Autonomous Region created by Stalin and the fate of its most famous supporters.

Very well written. Took a long time to read, but well worth it. Gessen is a master historian, adept at summarizing vast sums of information, while also using many emotionally charged anecdotes.

The feeling of never totally being a part of where you live, the anxiety arising from the knowledge that no matter what you do not everyone will accept you; in other words, that feeling that many European Jews must have felt as the 1930's ground on that has descended upon us now with the proud publishing of what was just a few years unspeakable in the United States-- that Jews are the cause of unhappiness and misery-- that persons who support Donald Trump feel liberated to speak, is beautifully captured in this book. I would give this book to every child in Hebrew school and have them read it before anything else so they know how important it is not to forget who they are, and where they came from and where they might go if they forget. Thank you Masha Gessen.

I had way greater expectations from this book, which looked to me not focused and for somebody who knows about Birobidjan, but would like to learn more - this was not enough. I really expected from Masha Gessen better job. There is obviously an excuse for the author who had to postpone the work on this book for a personal reasons. Good to have her back on board!

A well written book about failed social experiment.

A comprehensive review of the "city that never truly became a city" Having first come across this story in a book by Marek Halter I found this further excursion into a world most people to this day do not know existed was another testimony about the brutality of man to his fellow man. Another sad story of persecution based upon ones religion. History never exactly repeats itself but often times it just perpetuates stereotypes and prejudices against people who are just trying to make their own way in a hostile world.

Masha Gessen drew me in with her personal story - the rest was fascinating, informative, and important to know about!

This book is well written with a personal touch, not just a historic account. It answered my questions why and how Birobidzhan was first established. Why and how did it fail? Well, I could guess ... I have personal experiences ...Recommendation: do not read the last section before going to sleep. I was chased by Stalin's cronies in my nightmares. They did not listen what I had to say to defend myself.

Fascinating almost unknown story, well constructed and excellent writing

Well written