Having thoroughly enjoyed much of this novel, I wish I could give it a higher rating. It's the ending that deflates what could've ended with a bang: not literally but dramatically. Tolstaya loves her creation, and the grim blend of satire and realism in the post-apocalyptic shadows she presents often proves moving in its narrator's attempts to make linguistic and philosophical sense out of the beauties and the harshness he (at first uncomprehendingly) witnesses.

Parts of this book, especially in its first half, offer scenes of memorable poverty and ingenious social commentary. Maybe for Western readers the poetic remnants from past Russian voices resonate less, and there's details (as in the layout of the hamlet) that those of us unfamiliar with Moscow don't really "matter" the way they might to a Russian reader. Still, the fall and rise of the narrator keeps you page-turning. Especially relevant are passages keyed towards booklovers and the pages we hoard and guard against the unlettered mobs: these musings are among the best in the novel and well worth attention.
Though I doubt any of us could match the appetite of the narrator's bookishness THAT much; but, read it for yourself.

The novel's pace in its latter third (cf. Riddley Walker's plot) seems too predictable given the variety Tolstaya's invented so far. I cannot figure out why she could not sustain a more satisfying climax and denouement. Again, distance from the original text and context may be partly to blame; I may not recognize all the symbolic figures or allegorical allusions that a native reader might find more illuminating.

Granting this discrepancy, I emphasize that the build-up doesn't lead to an equally inventive conclusion. So much wit and poignancy and insight pours into this novel, but it overflows into a storyline that spills out and diffuses its gathered potency into dribbles and splats.

Take three parts Pasternak's Doctor Zhivago, two parts Miller's A Canticle for Leibowitz, one part Eco's The Name of the Rose, add a pinch of Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale (for that oh so subtle sci-fi flavor), mix vigorously, serve while sitting next to a nice warm fire cause it's gonna be a long night of pure enjoyment.

Platonov is the finest Russian prose-writer of the last century, but this republication of a volume first published around 1970 is a disappointment. Firstly, the translation is mediocre; secondly, the short novel "Dzhan", the longest and greatest work in this volume, was translated from a heavily censored Soviet text. Many of the most striking, most unusual or most subversive passages of the original have been cut out.

If you really want to know how it all happened, you have to read this book. But don't just read it, try to place yourself there and at the time. And you will understand it.

Prince Marko is a myth as the history shows that this so called "prince" fought on the Turkish side and died very young in a battle against Bulgaria some 600 years ago. None of it is true and does not show in any way problems or history of the Balkans.

I warmly recommend Prince Marko to anyone interested in the history of the Balkans. After the recent wars there, I wanted to know more about the region, and the role of historical myths. A friend told me about this book, which was named Outstanding Academic book for 1988/89 by Choice. The book is written with enthusiasm and the author shows an astounding depth of knowledge. Prince Marko really helped me understand how - amongst all the south Slavic peoples - historical facts became transformed into all-powerful myths, shaping the perceptions and goals of people in the Balkans today. I found it very easy to read and understand for a scholarly book. It is also a beautiful book, with many exquisite art plates. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the region.

Believe me, this one is not for you! SAVE YOUR MONEY! RATHER BUY "The Beginner's Guide To C++" by Oleg Yaroshenko. Oleg's book covers OOP very well in the last chapters and gives you a rock solid understanding of the C++ language. This book is however not for someone switching to Borland C++ or Visual C++, it only covers the C++ language elements.