Although a shortage of food and supplies was one of the biggest challenges faced by Harry and Violet, they also experienced extreme cold and constant sickness in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).
tonite [i.e. tonight] Im [i.e. I'm] Sitting here thinking it over, no food in the House, no wood for fires, no Medicine, and my girl Sick what Im [i.e. I'm] thinking about (is not so good).
Furthermore, the couple were often plagued by pests, and witnessed many events of violence during their stay. Throughout his journal, Harry expresses a longing to return to America:
[...] This place is like a jail. I would rather be in A. jail I would eat
In this particular entry, Harry is so frustrated with his living conditions that he would rather be in an American jail— if only so that he would have food to eat.
At the same time however, the Byers' photos and journal reveal a more light-hearted experience filled with silly pictures, parties, and shows during their stay in the Soviet Union.
Harry also regularly wrote to family and friends back in North America, some of whom express disbelief at their circumstances, and spoke of their much more favourable ones—much to Harry's envy.
Click the links below to learn more about the Byers' experiences in the USSR:
