Pu-239 and Other Russian Fantasies

These are dark gritty stories of Russia's past, from pre-WWII to mid coldwar. 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 found this to be a great collection of short stories, and I think those who are interested in life in the Soviet Union/Russia of the 20th Century will also find it to be a compelling read. The author clearly knows how to handle the short story genre (although the "novella" piece at the end of the book was my personal favorite - great development of characters in this particular piece!), and his experiences living in Russia have obviously influenced the way his stories ring true.If you like short stories, and you're interested in the sociology/psychology of life in the Soviet Union/Russia, you'll really like this collection. I did.

This book reminds you that a good short story can fill you up as much as the best novel because it tantalizes and teases you with its economy.

There's an old Russian story about a serf who's granted a wish by a genie. "Kill my neighbour's cow" is the wish. This book expands on that thought process. There's everything, from modern gangster Russia, to the beginning of the Russian space program, to a failed writer surpassed by a lesser, defecting, talent, to a fairy tale involving salt and Russian dog-in-the-manger thinking. This is a great book.

Whoever sent Ken Kalfus' wife to work in Moscow has done a great service to readers. Placed in such a strange environment, Kalfus has crafted a collection of short stories (and a novella)focusing on individuals who find their own dreams and desires at odds with the system, any system. The result is a rich and satisfying book of great skill, honesty and insight. In the title story, a scientist contaminated by exposure to radioactivity enters the black market to provide security to his family. In "Orbit," a very human Yuri Gargarin spends an eventful night before his first spaceflight. The novella, "Peredelkino" explores the tension between creativity, love and politics. In each of these stories, and the others, the characters are finely drawn, the narration is deft and the impact made without contrivance or manipulation of the reader.Kalfus' first book, "Thirst," was a wonderfully diverse collection of stories. "Pu-239" follows up, and even surpasses the promise of that book. "Pu-239" is a treasure.