The Master and Margarita

A seriously pretty book.

After so many years when I had read it for the first time and found myself fascinated by it and swept into its currents, I re-read "The Master and Margarita" with relish. It is a literary classic because it has stood the test of time and it transcends its original settings and social commentary of the day it was written.In “The Master and Margarita” Satan, going by the name of Professor Woland, descends on the Soviet Russia, and wreaks absolute havoc. Heads roll, people go insane and events occur that make the reader’s hair stand on end. Yet, the existence of Satan defies not only logic but also the atheistic mantra of the communist state. The citizens cannot afford to believe in the supernatural causes of the goings on. Those who do are dismissed as lunatics and placed in a mental asylum. This is where poet Ivan Bezdomny meets the Master who is the author of a novel about Pontius Pilate and the times of Jesus Christ and his crucifixion. The story is retold from the point of view of a direct observer (the Devil himself) and gives an eerie sense of intimacy with the tormented Procurator of Judea. Still, nobody believes in it. In fact, just in case somebody might, the Master’s book is denigrated and he burns his manuscript in despair. His lover and devotee, Margarita is in despair. Even though she wants to stand by the Master he leaves her and checks himself into an asylum.This book may be a revered classic but it is also a vivid, engaging, funny and utterly intriguing piece of fiction. The message of condemnation of the soviet regime, human greed, stupidity and narrow-mindedness is masterfully hidden within the plot and brilliant story-telling. The reader is immersed in the supernatural, the surreal, the macabre and burlesque all at the same time. The book bristles with satirical humour. And it is as relevant today as it was in the Stalinist Russia.

4 stars for a very Russian story but a universally appealing book which demonstrates that the power of imagination has no boundaries, and much can be achieved through literature as the author unleashes a stinging satire on Russian life at the time of Stalin, but with humour perfectly woven into a very profound story.There have been many reviews of this book and a wide range of opinions as once again we are presented with a very unique novel that draws us into the world of magical realism and forces us to think and interpret what the author was actually conveying as he wrote this ingenious book. The reader must suspend disbelief, read between the lines, and embrace the many themes but most of all this book will require your undivided attention. A complex novel sometimes confusing but oh so clever.From the ridiculous to the sublime and the magical to the farcical the author goes to the extreme in painting a surreal picture of a political system that prohibits people from speaking out, and in doing so we experience the mix of good and evil, courage and cowardice, and intellectual curiosity curtailed within a rigid system - and herein lies the beauty of this book.Unique, incredibly accomplished, and strongly evocative - both macabre and hilarious, dark yet enlightening, and magical but with very real themes.

Regardless of whether you pick up on the underlying themes, or just enjoy the completely crazy story which carries them, this is a witty, at times crazed, and massively memorable piece of work. If you like complete realism, or dont think you could get your head round the idea of a wisecracking cat in a bowtie, then perhaps give it a miss. If, like myself, you dont mind a bit of pure folly with your brilliant plot, give this a go.

I liked the way the story was in two parts, with the Master and Margarita appearing only in part 2, which makes one wonder if this is the book that was ordered. It is easy to understand why the Soviet authorities were not comfortable with this book as it reveals the bureaucratic nature of the society at all levels. Some of the destructive impulses on the part of Margarita made me a little uncomfortable at times. But it is in many superficial ways a charming fairy story with a heart of blackness underneath.

A strange fantastical tale imbued with wickedness. Written in a compelling way it grips the reader. All the time, whilst reading it,I was waiting for redemption to break in but it didn't ever happen. I might write a more detailed review later but for now I must seek an antidote.