The Blizzard by Vladimir Sorokin

Vladamir Sorokin is a Russian post-modernist writer. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he has been living in exile in Berlin. Sorokin often imitates the style of others, from classical Russian literature to soviet era socialist realism.

The Blizzard follows Dr Garin as he attempts to battle through the titular blizzard to deliver inoculations to a remote village. It is set in a dystopian, steampunk version of Russia. Sorokin blends very stereotypical elements that would not seem out of place in a Chekov novel, with modern and fantastical twists: digital clocks and sleighs powered by 50 partridge-sized horses.

The work is metaphorical: no matter what the modern Russian does, they are stymied at every turn by something almost undefinable, but quintessentially Russian. The setting tries to drag itself into the 21st century, but is pulled back by the traditions and just-plain-ridiculousness of a land which is strangled by its own identity.

Even now, a couple of weeks after finishing the novel, I am still not quite sure what I think of it. The allegory is clever and well done. As the novel progresses the setting becomes increasingly immersive.  But the story is very picaresque, and the haphazard nature of the plot leads to little investment in the character's plight. The prose is clear and concise, easy to read, but at times this seems at odds with the archaic setting, and is too simplistic to provide much interest. 

Probably should be three and a half stars, but I don't have a symbol for a half star, so lets go ★★★★☆.