Siberian Education by Nicolai Lilin
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Violent, ruthless, at times obscene, and even traumatizing, this Memoir by Nicolai Lilin is undoubtedly not for everyone. Yet, despite the crudeness of the stories, the narrative is fluent, pleasant, profound, full of meaning and life lessons, and, paradoxically, in some respects, equally fascinating.
Those who maintain a
dualistic view and divide the World and, consequently, the Whole into beautiful
or ugly, good or bad, right or wrong will have to review their position or at
least discover that Reality may not necessarily be black or white, but also
gray or even full of colors and shades.
These elements can be
accepted or not accepted. Still, they deserve to be analyzed, even if we cannot
fully understand them, because they may not be part of our experience, belief
system, or evaluation standards.
The theme of Crime is
extensively described, and its roots, as well as how it is conceived and
experienced by the various clans, are masterfully examined and explained.
Criminal organizations have always existed and, perhaps unfortunately, will
always exist. However, their matrices, the foundations on which they rest, and
the behavioral methods of their members are not the same but distinct, unique,
and specific depending on the group.
This is the case of the Siberian Education that is received, an education that, although in this book is
still linked to Crime, is characterized by a rigorous ethical and moral code
that distinguishes it from all other organizations: simplicity and humility in
conduct, deep respect for one's cultural identity, for one's religious beliefs,
for (criminal) Authority, for the elderly, parents, women, children and their
consequent protection and care of the entire community. This last aspect
includes taking care of the families of members who are killed by other clans,
sentenced to death or life imprisonment, or, in any case, to detention.
The ritual of tattoos,
each hiding a specific content, is an aspect that I found particularly
fascinating. It is a true ode to the identity and cultural and spiritual wealth
of a people, the Siberian one, to be precise, fully aware and decidedly proud
of their history, their habits, customs, and their ancient traditions.
The book's unexpected
and, at times, even humorous ending will leave the reader with the sensation of
the profound change taking place in the Author's life and of an awareness that
will push him, subsequently, to opt for a U-turn in his existence while respecting
and safeguarding that heritage, no longer 'criminal' but rather cultural,
spiritual, ethical, and moral, that was passed down to him.