The Family That Tried To Escape History

The Family That Tried To Escape History

In 1978, a team of Soviet geologists working deep in the Siberian taiga came across something they never expected to see: a house. As it turned out, they had stumbled on a family that had lived in complete isolation for decades – they weren’t even aware of World War Two.

Sophie Pinkham, author of the new book “The Oak and the Larch: A Forest History of Russia and Its Empires,” tells us the story of the Lykov family and what drove them into the forest.

Check out Sophie’s book about how Russia’s vast forests have shaped its history and culture: https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324036685
There’s also Sophie’s longread about the Lykovs in The Guardian, adapted from her book: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/22/forty-years-in-the-siberian-wilderness-the-old-believers-who-time-forgot

We always want to hear from you! If you have a question or story for us, give us a call at 315-992-7902 and leave a message, or send an email to hello@atlasobscura.com.


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Episoder(1334)

The Amargosa Opera House

The Amargosa Opera House

Marta Becket was an artist from New York City. Then in 1967, when she was on a road trip with her husband, she discovered an abandoned social hall in the California desert town of Death Valley Junctio...

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Mr. Toilet House

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The Grave of XYZ (Classic)

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The Mirror That Reveals Your Truest Self

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5 Mar 21min

The Fish Doorbell of Utrecht

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The Dutch city of Utrecht is built around an iconic canal lined with historic homes. But for the fish of the city, the view isn’t quite so picturesque. Each spring, migrating fish get trapped in the m...

4 Mar 12min

Daylight Saving: Donuts and Mirrors

Daylight Saving: Donuts and Mirrors

Daylight saving time is nearly upon us. Today, we’re visiting two places with very different approaches to harnessing the sun. One imposes rules on it, wreaking havoc on residents and travelers… and t...

3 Mar 12min

The Mystery Woman on the Beer Tap

The Mystery Woman on the Beer Tap

We look into the story behind a regionally famous – and controversial – beer tap in Des Moines, Iowa.  Read Mandy Naglich’s article about Ruthie in Vice. We always want to hear from you! If you have a...

2 Mar 12min

Lost Wonder: Lake Karachay (Classic)

Lost Wonder: Lake Karachay (Classic)

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