Russian Bride Guide [Paperback]

As a neophyte in my search, I read just about everything I could get my hands on. Now as a veteran of 7 months (very tongue in cheek) my impression of the book is pretty much what the others (more experienced) have been saying regarding the content; "Thoughtful and well grounded in the basics of fact and generally accepted opinion."

What I do find interesting, is the book appears to parallel my methods to this point (the opposite actually, as my methods appear to parallel the book). This in itself is reassuring to me, as I see that my paradigm has a sound foundation of sorts. Although many of the efforts I have been making are supported by the book, there were several points in the text that opened my eyes regarding current and future expectations. One thing I had not yet thought about was her move to the U.S.. I had no idea of the trauma involved, not to mention the significant sacrifice on both the husband and the wife. Also the introduction of the future spouse to a local Russian community...or not.

I would find it difficult for anyone to claim exclusive knowledge on this subject, especially when you consider everybody will have a different story and experience. What I like best is the book is not written as a definitive work. It is proffered as a compilation of general knowledge and experience, from a variety of sources, in a format that allows the reader to understand the concept of pursuing a Russian Woman (RW) for the purpose of marriage.

Since I choose my own course regarding the pursuit of my Ukrainian partner, I endeavor to consider everything I see, read, and hear. My opinion of this book is that "it should be mandatory reading for any man even considering pursuing a woman from the Former Soviet Union (FSU)". If you can make it through the book and not have a heart attack on the cost aspect alone, then I would say you are well positioned for your journey. I have read the book cover to cover twice now, and for the first time in my life, have tabbed a few pages of things I need to review as my journey continues.

If you are serious about finding a wonderful woman. A woman who's values match your's without the trappings of what many people consider the spoiled offerings of many western women, then this book is an excellent start. If you are not sure about this journey when you start the book, you will be when you finish.

I'm so glad I bought this book! It opened my eyes on this whole russian bride thing and saved me thousands. Thank you Stuart and Olga for pointing me in the right direction! Great book, easy to read and very informative. I highly recommend!
Danny

Having spent a lot of time in Russia as a professional journalist I was very curious on seeing the title at first glance. After reading, there was simply no question that the author of "Russian Bride Guide" knew his stuff. The book offers the pleasant experience of reading something which flows so smoothly and is so easy to absorb, that it is matched only by the breadth and wealth of information for the reader.

As the book points out, "There are opinions by the ill-informed....truth in the reports of scam victims....and fairytale endings posted on various internet sites..." The strength of the book lies in the personal knowledge of the authors and their own international marriage. "Russian Bride Guide" lives up to it's title and successfully guides sincere men in just about every step of such an endeavor, from where to start, choosing an agency and contact methods, communication tips and strategies, travel in Russia, and finally how to bring a lady home through the maze of various international immigration challenges.

My favourite section was the advice on culture, mindset and worldview which the authors made fun and interesting to read. Even the advice on where to look in the FSU is very helpful and the author's experience over many trips by air and car give the reader a primer on how to handle flights, hotels, taxi's, restaurants, apartments and so many other travel essentials.

This reviewer also appreciated the depth in which the authors delved into the topic of how to help a new wife adjust to her new home in the West. This is a topic almost always ignored in similar books and the advice given is borne from both experience and wisdom. The chapter on VISA's and immigration was broad but very brief and that is understandable given the ever-changing policies of various Western nations in regards to immigration. That overview however is helpful to the man who is new to the process because it dispels several of the common myths and helps the reader form a correct understanding of how to proceed.

Readers should pay close attention to the book's finely tuned chapter on communication. Communication is often a causality of language and cultural differences and even the method (technology) of communication employed is important. In this regard the author's experience allows practical wisdom to be gleaned by the reader and again sets this book far apart from most other attempts. And just because a woman "speaks" English doesn't at all mean that she understands English and the author's offer solutions for helping a lady become fluent in her new language.

By the same token the chapter entitled "Overcoming Language Barriers" fails to match the overall usefulness of the book and could have used a guide for common conversational expressions instead of trying to explain the differences between the English and Cyrillic alphabets. As the subject pertains to Russian women, perhaps a guide on how to correctly pronounce things like common female names and/or major cities of the region would have been helpful to readers.

Without a doubt "Russian Bride Guide" is easy to read and worth recommending to others. The authors have created something which genuinely offers the "inside scoop" that is crucial to a successful search and will show you how a girl from the former Soviet Union can make your life complete. It is an absolute must-read for any man looking to Russia for a wife.

The only thing I could add would be to echo the sentiments of Russian author Boris Pasternak, "Love is not weakness. It is strong. Only the sacrament of marriage can contain it."

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