Book Review: Master and Margarita

Master and Margarita
By Mikhail Bulgakov
Review by Renata

Is it love story, political satire, Christian philosophy, or mythic fever dream? This masterful masterpiece – unpublished in Bulgakov’s lifetime – is all these and more. In one plot-line the devil visits Moscow accompanied by an entourage that includes a gigantic, gun-loving cat, a succubus and a fanged hitman. This grotesque and hilarious crew attempts to awaken the Muscovite elite to its vanity and greed – with mixed results. In another sub-plot, Pontius Pilate must decide the fate of Yeshua Ha-Nozri (Jesus) – a task that plunges him into existential crisis. Later, it’s revealed that this latter section is the plot of a book written – and then burned by – the titular Master. Confused? You almost certainly will be! Abandon your preconceptions and prepare for a wild and beautiful ride. (Spoiler: some of that ride will take place on a broomstick, with a pig riding shotgun.)