Author: Mikhail Bulgakov (1891-1940)
Published by: Vintage, 2004 (first published in censored form 1966, Samizdat typescript 1967, full text 1973)
ISBN 0140447180

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Well I seem to be choosing some truly wacky books as my favourites, but I can't help it. Bulgakov's great classic of Russian literature, and his masterpiece, could be characterised in many ways -- magical realism, political satire, humorous romp, etc -- but it is quite simply a wonderful read, and many people who've encountered it seem to agree with me that it is an unforgettable delight. Isn't that all you need to know? I came across it when I asked in Waterstones (that lovely bookshop) for a really good read; I looked skeptically at its bulk (448 pages) and was reassured by the bookseller that it was worth it. It was.

© Ian Alexander 2004