Scan barcode
A review by shelleyanderson4127
The Funeral Party by Lyudmila Ulitskaya
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
You don't read this novel for the author's message. If there was a message it went over this reader's head.
But message doesn't matter in this case. You read this novel for a slice of Russian émigré life in New York City, for the eccentric cast of characters and their quirky, yet recognizable humanity. You read to learn more about Alik, an artist with an irrepressible lust for life, who is now on his death bed in a shabby New York City apartment. Gathered around him is his child-like, alcoholic wife Nina; his current lover, Valentina; and his ex-lover Irina, a former circus acrobat who now practices law. There's also Irina's misanthropic daughter Maika; a rabbi who doesn't speak a word of Russian; a Russian doctor who can't get licensed in the US because of his lack of English; a friendly Russian Orthodox priest; and an assortment of strangers.
In short, it's a mad house, but a mad house full of interesting stories. Which is why, if you are like me, you will gobble up this book in one day. I would compare this book to eating an entire batch of chocolate chip cookies in one go. You can't stop because of the pleasure even after the sugar rush hits and you ask yourself why you are doing this.
But message doesn't matter in this case. You read this novel for a slice of Russian émigré life in New York City, for the eccentric cast of characters and their quirky, yet recognizable humanity. You read to learn more about Alik, an artist with an irrepressible lust for life, who is now on his death bed in a shabby New York City apartment. Gathered around him is his child-like, alcoholic wife Nina; his current lover, Valentina; and his ex-lover Irina, a former circus acrobat who now practices law. There's also Irina's misanthropic daughter Maika; a rabbi who doesn't speak a word of Russian; a Russian doctor who can't get licensed in the US because of his lack of English; a friendly Russian Orthodox priest; and an assortment of strangers.
In short, it's a mad house, but a mad house full of interesting stories. Which is why, if you are like me, you will gobble up this book in one day. I would compare this book to eating an entire batch of chocolate chip cookies in one go. You can't stop because of the pleasure even after the sugar rush hits and you ask yourself why you are doing this.