Island, or Justification of Meaningless Travels

"Island, or Justification of Meaningless Travels" by Vasily Golovanov – a book-essay, documentary prose – and equally a work of artistic prose, a travelogue filled with philosophy and poetry. The meditative journey becomes a way of creative interaction with the geographical territory. Exploring time and space, Golovanov describes the harsh yet enticing northern landscapes of Kolguev Island, reflects on the past and future of this pristine land, showcases the way of life of nomadic peoples, and gives voice to the Nenets and Pomors themselves.
The journey to the polar island became for the author a journey into himself, and the island – a territory of salvation, where it is possible to attain inner freedom and, seemingly, the lost ability to create. Golovanov has constructed in "Island" a truly unique world, to which one desires to return again and again.