A review by sanmeow
The Inspector General by Nikolai Gogol

funny reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

when it is announced that the inspector general is arriving soon, a small russian town tries to cover up the evidence of their misdeeds before he gets there. they try to make the town look as good as it possibly can, and they try to seem like noble people. when a man called ivan arrives to the town, everyone thinks he's the inspector general. despite that not being the truth, ivan decides to have fun with it and pretend that he actually is the inspector general.
the satire was very well done purely because the way the characters behaved is very believable. it's a good commentary on the irresponsibility, greed, and corruption that town mayors and other officials often engage in. i also thought ivan was a pretty silly character when it comes to his decision making. he really did entertain me.
it didn't really affect me that much and i don't feel like i'll be rereading this, but it's really good satire.