A rediscovered Soviet satire – over at #shinynewbooks!

My love of Russian writing is well-known, so when I saw that a newly-translated book from a 20th century author I’d never heard of was coming out, I confess to being very intrigued! The book is “Cynics” by Anatoly Marienhof, translated by Bryan Karetnyk, and it’s been issued by Penguin in their classics range. “Cynics” is a satirical yet moving look at life during the early days of the Soviet Union, from the point of view of characters who are very unsuitable for survival under that regime. However, Marienhof adds to the tale by using modernist techniques to intersperse reportage from the changing post-Revolutionary landscape and creates a marvellous and inventive story. You can read my full thoughts here!