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The Master and Margarita

by Mikhail Bulgakov

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Reading for the 2nd time

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maka said: " my favourite book from russian literature, actually scrap that.

this is my favourite book.

bulgakov is basically a genius with a super sarcastic sense of humour and a life full of ups and downs. He grew up in a big, well-educated family & most of his s my favourite book from russian literature, actually scrap that.

this is my favourite book.

bulgakov is basically a genius with a super sarcastic sense of humour and a life full of ups and downs. He grew up in a big, well-educated family & most of his siblings were into music and arts, but he stood out the most because of his insane talent for literature. That’s what made him the “favourite,” in a way.

Despite going through financial struggles, illness, and even morphine addiction, he never gave up on writing. In the Soviet Union, he faced heavy censorship and pressure, but because people genuinely admired him, he wasn’t completely silenced. Still, he never really felt free. He even tried to leave the country at times, but never actually did. He was also deeply obsessed with art. he literally kept thousands of concert tickets he collected over time.

This is one of his most iconic novels, the one with the legendary cat Behemoth. The story takes place in 1930s Moscow.

It follows the devil Woland and his crew arriving in Moscow, after which all kinds of chaotic, surreal events unfold. At the same time, the novel is layered with the story written by the “Master,” a writer character, about Jesus. The transitions between Moscow and Jerusalem are done so smoothly, it feels like you’re constantly moving between worlds.

At first, it kind of feels like a normal book, but once the Master’s lover Margarita enters the story, everything shifts and is my favourite part.

What’s really striking is how corrupt people are in the story. The devil doesn’t even need to tempt them they’re already there. Instead, he ends up teaching them lessons about honesty in this weird, ironic way. Through the devil metaphor, there’s a sharp social critique. The chaotic theatre scene is probably the best example of how people instantly lose their minds over money or free clothes, completely ignoring everything else happening around them. Their greed is portrayed so well that it’s almost uncomfortable. ...more "

Mar 31, 2026 02:27AM · see review