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On Thin Ice

An Explorer's Memoir of Siberia, Surveillance and Survival

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On Thin Ice

By: Charlie Walker
Narrated by: Charlie Walker
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'This almost insanely intrepid and dangerous trek in remotest Siberia is astonishing in itself. But it also brings invaluable experience of Russian reactions to the war against Ukraine. Altogether extraordinary' Colin Thubron, author of The Amur River

In early 2022, Charlie Walker set out to hike 600 miles along the frozen rivers of Siberia. He hoped to cut through the myth of the gulag and the permafrost to understand who its people are and how they reckon with their haunted past, as well as what the future might hold for this remote corner of our world. But on 24 February, Russia invaded Ukraine, with devastating consequences. What had begun as an adventure swiftly descended into a paranoid nightmare, as Walker began to suspect he was being monitored by the Russian authorities. Shortly afterwards he was arrested and imprisoned.

On Thin Ice juxtaposes the harsh beauty of a Siberian winter with a thriller-like series of events that exposes the dark heart of Putin's propaganda machine. It is both the extraordinary record of one man's walk through the most inhospitable place on earth and a powerful insight into a deeply troubled – and troubling – nation.

©2026 Charlie Walker (P)2026 Duckworth Books Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Politics & Government Russian & Soviet Travel Writing & Commentary World Russia War
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Absolutely gripping in parts, you will be on the edge of your seat! Coupled with beautiful descriptions of the landscape and people that Charlie met along the way. What an incredible journey - so beautifully written.

Incredible book!

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Very well written story of a very cold adventure in Russia. Well read as well

Excellent story,

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A truly amazing story, well read by the author. A great example of truth being more terrifying than fiction. The outcome could have been so much worse. Also very educational. Will definitely be sharing another of Charlie’s adventures. Great book.

A terrifying but fascinating adventure.

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Gripping, informative, shocking, and beautifully written. I can’t recommend this highly enough. Thank you, Charlie.

Best listen in a long time

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I cannot get enough of Charlie's writing. The account of his time in Siberia is a wonderful interweaving of culture, politics and geography based on his observations and experiences. The part about the death of his father was incredibly moving.

Beautifully written and deeply reflective account

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