Mikhail Bulgakov
A Russian writer best known for his satirical and allegorical novel, The Master and Margarita, which blends Soviet-era Moscow with a retelling of the biblical story of Pontius Pilate. Bulgakov's work is characterized by its dark humor, fantastical elements, and sharp social commentary, often reflecting the political and artistic constraints of his time. His unique and imaginative storytelling has earned him a lasting literary legacy.
The Master and Margarita is a bold, fantastical reimagining of the Faust and Pilate legends, and a cornerstone of modern Russian literature. Set in 1930s Soviet Moscow, the novel was too subversive to be published during Mikhail Bulgakov’s lifetime, appearing only in censored form decades later. One spring, the devil arrives in Moscow with a bizarre entourage, including a seductive witch and a giant, vodka-loving cat. As they upend a city that denies both God and Satan, they also offer redemption to the Master, a persecuted writer, and Margarita, his devoted lover. Brilliantly satirical and philosophical, it remains a timeless masterpiece.