"Pushkin Hills" by Sergei Dovlatov

Pushkin Hills ("Заповедник") was written by Sergei Dovlatov, a Russian and American writer, in the late seventies-early eighties of the 20th century. The novel is largely autobiographical. Just like the main character, Dovlatov struggled with alcoholism and was never published in the Soviet Union during his lifetime. Pushkin Hills shows the realities of life in the Soviet Russia, and the struggles a talented writer has to deal with if he wants to write creatively rather than follow "the Party line". The main character Boris spends a summer working as a tour guide in the manor of Russia's greatest poet Alexander Pushkin. Even though Boris' personal situation is deeply tragic, he describes the rural life around him with humor and affection. The KGB officer in this novel is paradoxically sane in his views and advice whereas Boris' fellow tour guides and writers are untalented, vulgar and pitiful in their mediocrity.  At the same time, the protagonist's (i.e., the author's) voice is never arrogant. He knows his own flaws and demons and does not claim to be something he is not. He cannot be a successful writer in his home country, and he is hesitant to flee to the west. He is sorry to see his wife and daughter emigrate, but he also knows that he cannot offer them a good life in Russia. Even though Dovlatov tackles difficult issues, he does so with humor. This book is a delight to read. I found myself highlighting quote after quote. He laughs at popular art, desperation of single women, incoherent speech of his alcoholic landlord, and himself, always at himself. A great read. I highly recommend it. 5 out of 5 stars.