In 1983, Florida author Patrick Smith and his wife Iris traveled throughout the Soviet Union and Uzbekistan through an invitation from the Soviet Writers Union. Smith relates these experiences through fascinating stories and images in the fun, factual chronicle. This story takes place in a time when the former Soviet Union was still very much the Soviet Union and was known throughout the Western World as “The Iron Curtain.” It was a land of mystery and intrigue and few Americans visited there except in guided tour groups. Fewer still were given the opportunity to mingle freely with the people.This book is in no way a political treatise. It is a story of people, places, and things. Perhaps it will give the reader an intimate glimpse of ordinary, everyday people both in Russia and Middle Asia. Hopefully, it will also bring alive some fascinating places you may never have the opportunity to see first-hand. There is high humor in this book, as well as heartfelt moments. It paints vivid pictures of places few Americans have seen or will see. The descriptions are so real that readers will feel that they have been there. There is also much in this book for food lovers to enjoy. The descriptions of food, both Russian and Uzbek, are exceptional.In Search of The Russian Bear is unlike any other book set in Eastern Europe and Middle Asia. It is unique and will take readers on a fascinating journey.