The Tsar of Love and Techno starts with a story of a Leningrad censor given the task of removing images of traitors to the country in photographs with an air brush- an artist with a purpose opposed to the artist’s job to create. His is a job to erase. This first story sets the stage for this collection, which all look at the concept of opposing views and emotions: belonging and being alone, obeying and being secretly rebellious, oppressed and finding humor in everyday life. Read along, and subtle recurring themes, characters, and objects pop up unexpectedly through the stories, leaving the reader with a sense of curiosity with the interweaving elements. What’s around the next corner? A story can at first seem unrelated to the previous one, but then a subtle reflection of a story is seen in the text. Marra’s experience in Russia and the surrounding countries is evident throughout these stories, with a confidence in the landscapes, personalities, and quirks that can be shown only be one who has been there. Highly recommended for a read for all who enjoy the unexpected hidden in the everyday and the enduring human spirit in spite of life’s circumstances.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review from Blogging for Books