I only read the title novel, Казённая сказка, the first novel of a trilogy, this time around but look forward to reading the next installment... Pavlov creates vivid settings and situations at a military company/prison in the Soviet steppe. The book is oddly powerful--it's difficult to read but even harder not to read--and filled with absurdity and dark humor.

(There's more about Kaзённая сказка on my blog, here.) ( )

Though Pavlov is an established author, this was his first published novel, newly translated into English. It features a terrific introduction by Marcel Theroux.

To me, the novel's outstanding feature is the vividness with which Pavlov brings to life its setting in a Russian prison camp on the steppes of Kazakhstan. Also noteworthy are the atmosphere of tragicomedy that seems both Soviet and historically Russian, and a sense of morality that elevates that beyond the merely amusing.

The story-telling, however, gets a little confusing at times, especially later in the book. I don't know if some of that stems from inevitable losses in translation, but I think generally the translation was fantastic, so I suspect it was more the fault of the young author.

I recommend the book to interested readers. It is wonderful to have something like this published despite its non-commercial prospects. As only literature can do, the book gives the reader entry into another world. ( )