The Life of Insects by Victor Pelevin book prize shortlist from the very beginning of

from the very beginning of the USSR through to its demise in 1991

younger sister of artist Vasily Polenov)

'An amazing achievement' - Peter Frankopan

beautifully designed editions of six epic masterpieces that have survived controversy

The ensuing international outrage inspired a secret campaign in the West to win their freedom

The Life of Insects by Victor Pelevin book prize shortlist from the very beginning ofSet in a crumbling Soviet Black Sea resort, The Life of Insects with its motley cast of characters who exist simultaneously as human beings (racketeers, mystics, drug addicts and prostitutes) and as insects, extended the surreal comic range for which Pelevins first novel Omon Ra was acclaimed by critics. With consummate literary skill Pelevin creates a satirical bestiary which is as realistic as it is delirious a bitter parable of contemporary Russia,