Nervous People and Other Satires [Paperback]

Mikhail Zoshchenko (Author), Hugh McLean (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 22, 1975

Typical targets of Zoshchenko's satire are the Soviet bureaucracy, crowded conditions in communal apartments, marital infidelities and the rapid turnover in marriage partners, and "the petty-bourgeois mode of life, with its adulterous episodes, lying, and similar nonsense." His devices are farcical complications, satiric understatement, humorous anachronisms, and an ironic contrast between high-flown sentiments and the down-to-earth reality of mercenary instincts.

Zoshchenko's sharp and original satire offers a marvelous window on Russian life in the 20s and 30s.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Russian (translation)

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Indiana University Press (October 22, 1975)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0253201926
• ISBN-13: 978-0253201928
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #769,672 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Satire at its Best, March 18, 2000

By 

Aurin Squire - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nervous People and Other Satires (Paperback)

When I read Nervous People for a Russian Lit class I was overwhelmed by the absurd humor. There hasn't been a funnier, politically poignant and appealing satirist since Lewis Carrol or Jonathan Swift.

Zoschenko etches out distinct parts of the Soviet landscape with hilarious spoofs, ridiculous characters and dark conclusions; Gogol would be proud.

Despite the passing of time and demise of the Soviet Union the humor still survives. What's poking fun at Russians can easily be translated to the same for American government and bureaucracy.

Admittedly this isn't for everyone. It's not all-age-encompassing like "Alice in Wonderland" or as current as PJ O'Rouke. Nevertheless it's worth a read for young and old adults.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Day-to-day notices of life in the 1920s--Soviet style, January 14, 2005

By 

Adrienne Shirley "akhmat" (Hartsdale, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nervous People and Other Satires (Paperback)

Not since Gogol have I found such a bizarre, zany narrative, and such a peculiar narrator! Here Zoshchenko's narrator takes us through vignettes of everyday Soviet life, mostly of the NEP period, praising everything and making a fool of himself at the same time. The intense humanity of his characters come through, even (especially) when they're rioting in their collective kitchen over a coveted kitchen utensil. Very nice reading and re-reading for years to come.