The Soviet Trickster

The Soviet Trickster is a scholarly exploration of trickster narratives within Soviet and post-Soviet culture. This volume of history and criticism examines how these figures gained cult-like popularity during the Soviet era. By blending elements of humor and comedy, these narratives served as a reflection of the pervasive cynicism found within the society of that time.

Mark Lipovetsky analyzes how these characters mocked official structures while providing an aesthetic justification for subversive behavior. This work of literature and fiction criticism details how tricksters facilitated counter-narratives of modernity that challenged official state projects. The text provides a deep dive into regional and cultural studies, blending performing arts and theory to explain the role of the trickster in a complex political landscape.