Encyclopedia of a Life in Russia (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780802120779)

In Encyclopedia of a Life in Russia, acclaimed author Joséeacute; Manuel Prieto has masterfully crafted a kaleidoscopic portrait of post-Communist Russia. Strikingly poetic and cleverly humorous, it's the story of two misfits caught between old world traditions and the lure of contemporary Western influences as they set off on an adventure to immerse themselves in the beauty of the world.

Thelonius Monk (not his real name) and Linda Evangelista (not her real name) meet in Saint Petersburg after the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991. They journey to Yalta, where Thelonius promises to make Linda famous in the fashion magazines. But in fact, he's drafting a novel about her. Over the course of their travels, the two indulge in all sorts of sensual amusements--extravagant dinners, luxury automobiles, seaside hotels--while they engage in grand discussions of love, art, celebrity, and other existential polarities.

Alphabetically organized from Abacus to Zizi, this book defies chronology and conformity. Finding the sublime in the trivial through meditations on wildly varied subjects of fact and fancy--from Bach and Dostoyevsky to Italian alligator shoes and fluoride toothpaste--Prieto ardently explores the crossroads of literature, philosophy, history, and pop culture in this singular novel that captures a nation straddling custom and innovation.

Author: José Manuel Prieto
ISBN-10: 0802120776
ISBN-13: 9780802120779
Publisher: Grove Press, Black Cat
Language: English
Published: 01/08/2013
Pages: 224
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.45lbs
Size: 8.10h x 5.40w x 0.80d

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 10/15/2012
Kirkus Reviews 11/01/2012
Booklist 12/15/2012 pg. 17