The Russian Debutante's Handbook : A Novel (Paperback)

from reluctantm

What is the purpose of the whole first half of the book, the part set in New York? Nothing really happens until he goes to Prava, and even then, what happens is just a random collection of musings on former Soviet biznesmen and wealthy yet dim ex-pats. There are echoes of say, Bulgakov, in the se...

from eaterofwords

Am I supposed to spend the course of the entire book hoping Vladimir gets offed by the mafia? If I am, the book's succeeding amply, but if not...

from fist

Having previously read Steyngart's other novel "Absurdistan", I recognised the themes of a Soviet-born narrator observing the turbulent change to capitalism of a peripheral formerly communist country. This novel is lighter and more likeable than Absurdistan, but has more structural problems. Ther...

from rayski

A young New York raised Russian runs to Russia to hide from his mistakes in NY. In Russia he learns to con rich American students out of their parent's money. His ego makes him believe he's invisible but learns the hard way that he's not.

from emilyingreen

In his usual wry fashion, Gary Shteyngart delivers a captivating transcontinental adventure filled to the brim with his unique blend of sardonic and self-deprecating wit. Giving a detailed and often hilarious depiction of immigrants and expatriates, with a few solid jabs at privileged Americans, ...