Reading Strugatsky brothers' books I finally understood the reason for people learning Russian to read Russian literature in its original form. Russian style is undeniably powerful and funny beyond explanation.
In order to understand Monday Begins on Saturday, the reader better be familiar with Russian folklore, fairy tales, most famous mages, vampires or myths of all time (and Russian language... just kidding). Otherwise, some characters and their deeds will not be understood.
The beginning of the book took me by a very-very pleasant surprise, I couldn't get enough of Pushkin references or the weirdness that ensues when the hero of the book encounters the couch. But... I wanted the book to continue in that vein, to show me more of that Russianness. Instead the narrative broke after Part 1 and took a different path, which would have been a great sequel.
Even so, the authors' language, their 'handwriting' is brainy, smart, clever, inventive, fresh (despite the fact that the book was written in 1965), bright and FUNNY (people in the subway took me for a kook, because all of the sudden I would break out laughing). The supernatural, magical world brothers created is truly awesome. It makes the reader want to live there, be a part of the cool gang and experience all the craziness that's happening there every minute of every day.
Despite the fact that I would have liked all parts of the book to be longer, explored deeper or be a book of their own - I still loved it. If you know a little bit of literature and movies - you will notice how many artists, movies and books Strugatsky brothers have inspired. They even have the idea for "Memento" explored here at length.
I am thankful for knowing Russian and for writers like Arkady and Boris Strugatsky.
4 stars.
4 stars.
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