"Master and Margarita"

[fiefoe]

I like how easy this book reads given that it's a Russian novel. (Thank you, Michael Glenny.) I love the arresting contrast between the realistic Jerusalem and the magical Moscow, without which it would just be a brilliant satirical romp. That alone could justify the lofty reputation of this Mikhail Bulgakov novel.

• continued the prisoner, 'that all power is a form of violence exercised over people'
• 'Love leaped up out at us like a murderer jumping out of a dark alley.'
• Familiar words flickered before me, the yellow crept inexorably up the pages yet I could still read the words through it.
• The time had come to act, to drink the bitter cup of responsibility.
• 'I demand to be turned back to my usual shape!' the pig suddenly grunted, half angry, half begging. 'I refuse to take part in an illegal assembly!'
• Behemoth's winking increased until at last the white king guessed what was required of him. He suddenly pulled off his cloak, dropped it on his square and walked off the board. (during the chess game)
• Pilate was obviously obsessed with the problem of the murder of Judas of Karioth, although it had been fully explained.
• the most incredible rumours, in which a tiny grain of truth was embellished with a luxuriant growth of fantasy.