Before and During

Set in late Soviet Moscow, this novel follows Alyosha, a writer with memory loss, as he undergoes experimental psychiatric treatment and attempts to record the memories of those around him. His project shifts when he hears stories that delve into Russia’s historical and philosophical past, including tales connected to figures like Nikolai Fyodorov and Madame de Staël. Blending fantasy and satire, the story offers a rich and imaginative exploration of Russian history and its philosophical legacy.