Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
Pu-239 And Other Russian Fantasies
by
Ken Kalfus
With the publication of his first story collection, Thirst -- also a New York Times Notable Book of the Year -- Ken Kalfus made "a dazzling debut," emerging as "a major literary talent" (Salon.com). Now, in this eagerly anticipated follow-up -- drawn from his four years living in Moscow and traveling the breadth of the Russian landscape -- Kalfus creates unforgettable etch...more
Paperback, 304 pages
Published
December 1st 2000
by Washington Square Press
(first published 1999)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
This book is not yet featured on Listopia.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
199)
I suppose I have finally embraced the genre of the short story collection. In fact, I continually borrow books of this genre. Here is one other example of a short story collection that I read recently, and again, I am not so satisfied.
Pu-239 is a collection of short stories written by Ken Kalfus. The main arching theme of this collection is Russia. Even the fable Salt is centered around Russia, albeit a fantastic one. I got interested in this collection because I saw a movie preview of Pu-239 on...more
Pu-239 is a collection of short stories written by Ken Kalfus. The main arching theme of this collection is Russia. Even the fable Salt is centered around Russia, albeit a fantastic one. I got interested in this collection because I saw a movie preview of Pu-239 on...more
There are some very Russian moments that were captured quite well by the author. He gives real life (as in grit, reality) to these vague, historic notions. The stories range in quality, but I would recommend them as a whole.
Pushcart Prize Recipient
Finalist, PEN/Faulkner Award
A New York Times Notable Book of the Year
Village Voice Writer on the Verge Award
Finalist, PEN/Faulkner Award
A New York Times Notable Book of the Year
Village Voice Writer on the Verge Award
Although some stories work better than others, they are at least interesting, and most of the time fascinating. I intend to read more of Kalfus' work.
These are dark gritty stories of Russia's past, from pre-WWII through the cold war and into post Perostroika. They evoke a sense of familiarity of what we conventionally think of as an oppressive Soviet state, but these stories also let us imagine what it might be like to be entirely human during those times, and how one might have been inspired by the ideals of socialism, representing a notion of human development which is lost upon the present-day American mind.
I read the title story after hearing the HBO (or was it Showtime) movie was really good. The story is pretty good and ends with a great moment. I really like Kalfus's writing, so I'll be sure to finish this off in the near future.
a few great short stories, the others were just ok. not much on character development. Kalfus does a good job of capturing the Russian experience without overblowing his description of the country, cities, or people.
Jun 07, 2009
Greg
marked it as to-read
Ken Kalfus is fantastic. This collection is completely absorbing. His word choices, rhythms, and structures are perfect. He is an absolute delight to read.
May 11, 2013
Sara
marked it as to-read
May 04, 2013
Fred
added it
Apr 24, 2013
Leah Sosewitz
marked it as to-read
Apr 19, 2013
Pedja
marked it as to-read
Apr 13, 2013
Short Curator
marked it as to-read
Apr 03, 2013
Allie
marked it as to-read
Mar 06, 2013
Jonathan Freed
marked it as to-read
Mar 04, 2013
Robin
marked it as to-read
Feb 26, 2013
Jcshumate
marked it as to-read
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“Light is a particle and a wave. This is hard to understand, how a thing can be two things at once. But a woman is also both a particle and a wave. She’s a wave when you see her reach down to pull a shell from the sea, and you feel her beauty pass through you like electrical current. She’s a particle when her hair brushes your face, and her hands push into yours”
—
7 people liked it
More quotes…
