A School for Fools

Rating:
Summary: Sokolov's "School for Fools": Deconstruction and Rebirth
Review: Sokolov's "School for Fools" is a linguistically titillating thrill! The narrative consists of the network of memories, both childhood and adult, of a schizophrenic, integrated into a well crafted blend of innumerable references to works from genres encompassing an impressive range of both Russian and Western cultural traditions. The realist doubling that Dostoevsky uses so effectively to reveal the psychological state of his characters takes on new meaning in this post-modern, intertextual playground; the main character becomes a medium through which public and private memories interact, subtly illuminating the delicate subconscious threads that connect each to all. This disturbed child/man becomes a prophet to the mysteries of cultural development and the communal self through a deconstruction of the traditional sense of temporal linearity, individual identity and place. The novel is not what you might call a quick read. However, the combination of original insight and elegance of language, rhythm and style make it more than worth your while. Sokolov is part of the exciting rebirth of the Russian novel, perhaps akin to Victor Pelevin.

Rating:
Summary: Sokolov's "School for Fools": Deconstruction and Rebirth
Review: Sokolov's "School for Fools" is a linguistically titillating thrill! The narrative consists of the network of memories, both childhood and adult, of a schizophrenic, integrated into a well crafted blend of innumerable references to works from genres encompassing an impressive range of both Russian and Western cultural traditions. The realist doubling that Dostoevsky uses so effectively to reveal the psychological state of his characters takes on new meaning in this post-modern, intertextual playground; the main character becomes a medium through which public and private memories interact, subtly illuminating the delicate subconscious threads that connect each to all. This disturbed child/man becomes a prophet to the mysteries of cultural development and the communal self through a deconstruction of the traditional sense of temporal linearity, individual identity and place. The novel is not what you might call a quick read. However, the combination of original insight and elegance of language, rhythm and style make it more than worth your while. Sokolov is part of the exciting rebirth of the Russian novel, perhaps akin to Victor Pelevin.