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16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Modern Satire: Essays, Poems & Thoughts, July 5, 2003
This review is from: The Arrogance of Truth (Paperback)
The title alone "Arrogance of Truth" leads one to ask and ponder, "what truth", "whose truth"? Can people agree on any one definition of "truth"? This is the dilemma and this, also, is where the reader finds the humor on which the author builds his stories. The stories are based on the author's extensive experience while living under Communism (socialism) in the former Soviet Union. They are also based on his travels and unique life experiences. The author is a keen observer of the human condition which he describes with a dead-pan, biting sense of humor. His stories, poems and thoughts provide the reader with a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns describing human follies. The first story, "Ballet" is absolute tops. In this story, a graduate of a 'sports college' is selected by the infinite wisdom of the Communist party to attend a presentation of "Swan Lake" at the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. His job, as a radio broadcaster, is to review this famous cultural event for "the working class" (via the radio, which is funny in and of itself, as "ballet" is a visual art). His interpretation of this classic ballet, with references to politics and the socialist viewpoint, is hilarious. The scene where he describes the "exploitation" of the swans who are later "liberated" is truly outstanding parody. "Confession" is another classic tale, based on the modern tendency to reveal some "hidden defect", weakness, tendency or fault *because* it shows "everyone/everything is acceptable", "equal" on this common denominator base level. The absurdity of modern politically correct behavior is mirrored before us. "Eyewitness" is very funny. It shows how human beings seek to make heros out of any event, *even* a "nonevent". This story is a gem. "Honorable Shame" is a thoughtful treatise, which asks deep questions. It is a play on words about honor, innocence, and shame, the last one of which is no longer a valid emotion in the modern world. "International Matchmaking" is a witty and humorous piece of writing based on the desire of a former Comunist party member to marry a "rich" American bride. He uses all kinds of persuasive techniques while revealing his avarice. He provides us many details of his life which are intended to show what a worthy person he really is ... His knowledge of how to exploit the American system is amazing. "Manifest" is an amusing imaginative piece of writing describing how "Bony People" are conspiring to take over the world - it will leave you in stitches, laughing out loud. The free-verse poem "Money" hits home, questioning, what is really important to a human being. The tongue-in-cheek irony of the essay, "Minorities", will leave some readers uncomfortable and squirming, possibly even accusing the author of having gone too far. However, read with the spirit in which the author intended, the story reveals just how far government and politics have interfered in the lives of the majority and limited *their* liberties. I have concluded, it is time I learned Spanish, and the sooner better!!! "Personal Touch" is a story with universal appeal. We learn that the selection of a Funeral Home is a *very* important "personal matter" which requires choices that reveal the distinction and uniqueness of the loved one and his family. All are shown off to their best advantage, so-to-speak. The speech, "Secretary General", brings forth some of the best writing by the author. It contains parody, satire, and historical facts twisted and turned, as can only be done by someone totally familiar with the hypocrisies of living under Communist rule. "SGS & S. Co. Kettle" is a charming tale, a highly imaginative and creative endeavor which describes the "dos and don'ts" of properly using and caring for a kettle manufactured in Japan. I thoroughly enjoyed the the satirical essays, stories, and poems in this book. I feel the last section "Brief Thoughts, A Little Bit of This and a Little Bit of That" should be omitted in future editions. They appear to be disconnected ideas, not creative "satirical writing". The majority of the book is thoroughly engrossing and shows what a complex mind the author possesses. It reminds me of Mark Twain's book "Letters from the Earth", also considered controversial but a very creative and imaginative endeavor, too. Erika Borsos
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
outrageous truths, hilarious satire, August 28, 2003
This review is from: The Arrogance of Truth (Paperback)
This book is sure to miff some people all of the time, and perhaps even all of the people some of the time. It is sometimes jarring, and that is its beauty. It will smash your sacred cows and make you think, so if you are constrained by political correctness, you may not appreciate Mr. Zubry's sharp insights and acerbic humor. And what humor ! Since most of my reading is done at an open air café, I must have appeared to be a jolly sort to passersby with my loud and hearty mirth while reading this book, but in fact, I rarely read or see much that I find genuinely funny, so Mr. Zubry's earthy, outrageous wit was a welcome change, and so good for the soul. A collection of essays, poems, and a final chapter entitled "Prosaic Thoughts", much has been taken from Mr. Zubry's adventurous life, and the sometimes bizarre events that have been a part of that journey. I relish the unique and unconventional satirical pieces, like "Manifest: A secret conspiracy of the Bony People to take over the world and destroy tomatoes" in which he inserts nuggets of wisdom like: "Truth is demanding. Truth requires sacrifice from the ones who want to know it" (pg. 101), and most hilarious of all is "SGS & S Co. Kettle", which is a take-off on those many manuals that now accompany most products we buy. Born in the Soviet Union, his world travels have given him a unique perspective, and now, after many years of living in the U.S., shares his views of life in America; he has a sharp sense of the ludicrous, and few subjects escape his whetted pen.
If you can see the comedic side of the passing parade of humanity, without objection to ideas that may not agree with yours, this is a book that will make you reflect, might open some horizons, and you are guaranteed some hearty guffaws.
"The road of life is not long but surely wide and bumpy" (pg. 246), so why not have a big laugh along the way with this book as your companion.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stinging reflections on life, May 19, 2003
This review is from: The Arrogance of Truth (Paperback)
"Arrogance of Truth" is made of three parts: Biting satires, poetry, and musings on the human condition. One particularly amusing satire is a Russian's description of "Ballet." He has never seen or heard of a ballet, and yet, being a good party member, he is doing his job for the benefit of the people by describing it (albeit more like a sporting event than an entertainment). "International Matchmaking" concerns a Russian man seeking an American Green Card - oops - I mean "wife"). It is a humorous look at one (perhaps more than one?) man's efforts to go to America to live the good capitalistic life. "SGS & S Co. Kettle" is a parody of the overly-complicated and silly instructions that sometimes come with Japanese products. Most of the stories are told in the first person, by people who sound completely rational, but are, in fact, easy targets for ridicule. Russia and the late Communist regime are frequent objects of derision. The author is constantly playing with words and their meanings, questioning the reader's beliefs, and putting our shortcomings under the microscope. Readers who enjoy thought-provoking and sarcastic reflections on life will certainly enjoy "Arrogance of Truth" by Boris Zubry.
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