Wedded Strangers

Russian-American marriages reflect many of the same issues and problems of other inter-cultural marriages, but at the same time face some unique challenges. Since the publication of the first edition of this book in 1998, the number of these mixed couples has soared. Improved relations between the countries have brought hundreds of Russians to the US, while Americans continue to travel to Russia for business, study and tourism. Dozens of dating and marriage agencies in the two countries are busy matching Russians with Americans. The internet, chat rooms, e-mail, and list servers for Russian-American couples and for people seeking spouses have revolutionised romance. Further, the end of the Soviet Union has eased travel restrictions, heartbreak over denied visas, and harassment of these couples. In response to these factors and to the hundreds of letters, phone calls and e-mails that poured in from couples who read the first edition and wanted to share their own stories, Dr Visson has expanded this book with new material, including a chapter on marriages resulting from the phenomenal growth of agencies and Internet sites which introduce American men to Russian women.