Siberian Education

By the age of six, Nicolai Lilin had been given his first 'pike knife' by an uncle, and by the age of twelve, he had been convicted of attempted murder . . . Nicolai Lilin gained his 'education' as a member of the Siberian Urkas - a small and tight-knit community of 'honest criminals' in a forgotten corner of Eastern Europe. It was a remarkable upbringing, defined by an elaborate set of rituals and strict codes of honour, and by a deep distrust of outsiders - especially the police and state authorities. Even the youngest children were taught to understand violence and when it was appropriate to use it. An huge international bestseller, Siberian Education is a tale of an extreme childhood - exotic, violent and completely unique.