Siberian Dream

by Irina Pantaeva

Book Overview

A triumphant story of determination and passion, Siberian Dream is a tale of two worlds -- one in Siberia, one in America -- and a young woman with a heart and spirit big enough to span them both. Irina's story begins amid the final days of the Soviet Union. Born into an ancient indigenous Siberian culture, she came Of age with a rich heritage of spirituality often at odds with a world in which individuality was stifled and poverty was a way of life...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0380793717
• ISBN13: 9780380793716
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Quill
• Length: 309 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 and higher

Customer Reviews

Unique, sincere, refreshing rags to riches tale

Many facets make this a worthwhile read: Set against the backdrop of a crumbling Soviet union, the reader is privy to conditions and scenes from an "insider". As well this is a coming of age tale that spans continents and industries. It's no wonder that there was such a fuss made about Irina in the fashion world when she first made her splash...She is the world's first high fashion model from Siberia, a fact which may account for her grace and gratitude.Lastly, this is one of the freshest accounts that have ever read of a young person ( model) participating in the world of top fashion designers- with no trace of ennui or jadedness.

Thanks, Irina

I enjoyed reading "Siberian Dream"by this woman who made all her way to the US.I believe many do not suspect how close it was to impossible to get into Moscow fashion world from Ulan-Ude,and thento get out of the Communist Russiato become a top-model being Asian from Siberia.I really enjoyed Irina's book and I admire her adventurism,beauty and style.She is one of the most famous Buryats in the world, and we are proud of her.

"Siberian Dream" is a breath of fresh air.

For many of the readers the book might have seemed a little bit hard to follow as it explores unusual experiences of the Buriad supermodel. They might have expected a rather typical portrayal of the world of fashion. But "Siberian Dream" is unique. It depicts Irina's fantastic journey from the suppression and poverty of Communist Russia to the freedom and extravagance of the West. I would have to compliment the author's incredible writing style. She brings in the beauty of Russian writing along with a modern American wit. I highly recommend this book to young curious readers. Irina's book was a great inspiration to me. I hope it will have the same effect on other readers. Bravo Irina! Saihan nom bichsend bayarlaa!

This book is to be loved by all Buryat people.

That is a very beautifull book which reflects all the hard work which has been paid off. Once again it is something awesome, really. I found this book amazing and attractive, just like the author. My main point is that we have to be very thankful to such kind of people like Irina. I am very proud of my nation, my Buryat people.

Enjoyable journey out of Siberia to the fashion world of New York City.

Inspirational story of Irina following her dream and obtaining her greatest wish. The journey is incredibly cold, lonely and dangerous but she makes it to her goal. It is a refreshing story of courage and guts and winning. It makes me want to shout "HOORAH" when she lands in New York City with the love of her life doing exactly what she set out to do many years ago in desolate Siberia.