Victor used to write short stories. Now, he writes newspaper obituaries. Something is unusual about the obituaries...

The penguin is called Misha. His owner is Viktor Zolotaryov. Kurkov uses Misha the penguin as a mirror of Viktor’s own alienation and vulnerability, highlighting themes of loneliness, displacement, and the search for meaning. They live in Kyiv soon after the end of the Soviet era.

Viktor used to be a short story writer. Now, he writes newspaper obituaries. Something is unusual about the obituaries. Their subjects are not dead. Then they are. Is any of this Viktor's fault?

The book focuses on the corruption and chaos of a newly individualistic society after the collapse of communism. It combines surrealism, dark humour, and existential themes to explore life in a society marked by corruption, poverty, and uncertainty.

Four years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, how do we approach such concerns - looking ahead as well as looking back?

We meet at Holding Patterns, 2 Albion Place (below Renaissance Salon), Leeds, LS1 6JL. There are steps down from the street, so if you have access issues, please get in touch.

Please register to let us know you are coming. (https://humanists.uk/events/leeds-humanists-book-club-3/...) The event is free, but we welcome any donations which help with our running costs. There is a paid bar

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