Book Review: In the Absurd Everyday of War, the Ridiculous Is Not Funny

Andrei Kurkov's latest novel, "Heart Is Not Meat" (Sydän ei ole lihaa), plunges readers into the chaotic reality of Kyiv in 1919, a year marked by the aftermath of the Bolshevik revolution and the ensuing civil war. Antti Majander reviews the novel, offering a glimpse into the lives of those struggling to maintain their humanity amidst widespread upheaval.

The narrative centers on Samson, a character attempting to act rightly in a world consumed by chaos. However, his efforts are constantly met with absurdity and profound inhumanity, reflecting the grim realities of the era. The novel vividly portrays the daily struggles, from the scarcity of basic provisions like pork ears and oat porridge to the rare luxury of herring-salted kasha. Even simple meals are described as a "feast" if they contain "plenty of onions," hinting at the pervasive hunger and hardship.

Majander notes that the descriptions of food, such as "last autumn's, old. May be frostbitten too," underscore the dire conditions. The novel doesn't shy away from depicting the grimness of survival, where even preserved radishes, offal pies, and lard pretzels are considered celebratory when available.

Kurkov, a Ukrainian author with five novels previously translated into Finnish, once again uses his distinctive voice to explore the human condition under extreme duress. "Heart Is Not Meat" is published by Otava and spans 328 pages, translated into Finnish by Arja Pikkupeura. The review concludes with an anticipation for more from Kurkov, suggesting the novel leaves a lasting impression.