The Suitcase: A Novel

Since my college days, I have been a voracious reader of Russian authors, especially the great classical novelists. I recently read and reviewed a book by a contemporary Russian author, and had an e-mail conversation with a close friend who lives and works in Moscow. When I told him the name of the author whose work I had recently completed, he sneered and said,"Here in Russia, we consider this 'airport reading.' If you want to read a more modern Russian novelist, you should tackle Sergei Dovlatov." So, based on Vasya's recommendation, I ordered a copy of "The Suitcase."In reading this small novel, I experienced feelings similar to those I felt in reading Tim O'Brien's iconic book, "The Things They Carried." As was the case with O'Brien's book in demonstrating what it was like for an American to fight in Vietnam, each object described in "The Suitcase" evoked a deeper understanding of what it meant to live under the Soviet system.The conceit of the book is that the author has emigrated from the USSR to New York, carrying with him only a single suitcase, which he promptly stows in the back of the closet in his NYC apartment. A few years later, he has occasion to rediscover the suitcase. As he unpacks it, each of the eight objects prompts him to launch into a vignette that describes how he had acquired the object, and its meaning in his life - and by extension - its connection to life in the USSR. The book is a small gem, full of irony, self-deprecation, insight, humor and pathos. "The Finnish Crepe Socks" chapter is a wonderful example, leading to the unraveling of a tale of black market entrepreneurship run amok in a rapidly changing world in Russia.I cannot wait to order my next example of Dovlatov's writing and wit.Thank you, Vasya!

Dovlatov's work is hard to categorize - billed as novels but written in an autobiographical voice. But whether fact or fiction, his books are clever and funny and well worth the read. Set in the waning days of the USSR he depicts with humor and irony the lives of Russians in the 70-90s. "The Suitcase" is essentially a collection of short stories - each based on an item the author brought with him when he immigrated to the US.

I was living in Eastern Europe a few years after this was written, and it is so true to my experiences there. The use of the suitcase as an organizing principle was brilliant. It's a quick read, and really insightful on life. I don't think it would be everyone's cup of tea ... creative brilliance more than cut-and-dried story ... but that's a plus for me.

In sparse prose, Sergei Dovlatov shares chapters from his misspent Soviet youth in memorable style drawing everyday items out from a mythical suitcase that was all he was allowed to take out when he left Russia. There is no attempt to link his various experiences as a conscript, journalist, construction worker or small time black marketeer into any kind of narrative. Each chapter stands alone and captures moments bizarre, moving or confused of a corrupt system which brutalised its own people before falling victim to its own empty deceits. Dovlatov spares no one, least of all himself, from his searing honesty, razor sharp commentary and mordant wit. It all combines in powerful literary cocktail.

A funny, caustic, clever and perceptive insider's view of Soviet Union dysfunction--and its dysfunctional, alcoholic people--crafted in a series of quasi-fictional vignettes by one of its victims. The book depicts the surreal, threadbare and hopeless lives of those cynically resigned to their dark fate in a corrupt and ill-conceived system that all strive to outwit, if only to get a free drink or warm hat. As Dovlatov writes: "Once I watched a documentary about Paris during the Occupation. Crowds of refugees streamed down the streets. I saw that all enslaved countries looked the same. All ruined peoples are twins..." Yet somehow the late Russian author was able to laugh about it, coldly.

We are reading this for our Zoom book club meeting soon. The narrator brought a small suitcase with him when he emigrated to the USA. He tells an anecdote based on each of the articles in the suitcase in a humorous self-deprecating way that is quite amusing. Throughout he mentions Soviet filmmakers, writers, and politicians, a large number were new to me.

A unique combination of comical incidents and underlying pathos, as only Dovlatov can.A talented Russian writer who died young in America and was not published in Russia during his lifetime.

Excellent book in excellent condition. One of the best book I’ve read recently

I purchased this book for my British partner's father.As I myself come from Russia, Dovlatov has a very special place in my heart. I was a bit worried about how his humour would translate to foreign mindset, but my partner's dad loved it.The book itself is small, but at the same time provides a hilarious view on many aspects of soviet/post-soviet life.100% recommended.

Really wonderful set of stories that combine humor with marvelous insights into the crumbling Soviet regime. Dovlatov lived a hard life, but captures it in a way that would have made James Thurber smile.

It was interesting. Didn't connect emotionally.

I read all books by Dovlatov in Russian and in English and I laughed till I cried every time. The translation is superb, I would never imagine that a book can be enriched by translation.

Great novel. It’s separated into subsections which make it easier to start and stop if you’re someone who reads on the go. There’s a book review that reads roughly, “you’ll read the first few chapters and fly through the last few” and I think that’s really accurate. A great novel to learn more about life in Soviet Russia.