[sestomosi]

The Golden Calf is a humorous novel set in the Soviet Union in the late 1920s. The authors, Ilf and Petrov, write a satirical piece which pokes fun at many of the Soviet methods, while on their own setting up an amusing plot.

Ostap Bender, back from his death in their previous book (though mind you, this isn't the typical sequel effect, in which the second book piggy back's off the first one and is a huge flop), sets out on a new adventure. Conning anybody who gets in his way, he picks up the scent of a 46 ruble a month clerk who secretly has millions stashed away.

It's an entertaining yet deep commentary on the reforms that were taking place in the Soviet Union at the time of the novel. Good for a humorous yet insightful read.

The full translation won't be published until December 2009, but the galleys. Whenever you can get to it, I highly recommend this book.

The Golden Calf (GALLLEY)