Reviews

Since I don’t like magic realism or absurdist humor, this book wasn’t for me! I liked the narrative of Pilate and Jesus but the rest was very chaotic and I feel let down that I didn’t really enjoy reading it. Even after reading an essay that explains what is so subversive about the book (besides the on the nose sacrilege) I still lacked knowledge/appreciation for the cultural aspects.

janey's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5 stars. You know, I thoroughly enjoyed this, but I am clearly missing something because all of these amazing geniuses say it's their favorite book and I can't figure out why. I'm open to suggestions as to what makes this more than an amusing story if you aren't deeply steeped in the history of Stalinist Russia, sufficient to make the satire hit home emotionally rather than just intellectually.

missmash's review against another edition

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3.0

Mad with funny moments, creatively unrestrained and a muddled message. But I believe that’s exactly what this book was intended to reflect.

tiphaine_slr's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

kathfoxh's review against another edition

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dark funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

fowadijaz's review against another edition

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The devil comes to Moscow, kills one man and takes over his apartment, sends another man to Yalta and etc. Couldn't get through it. It was ok, but just a bit too long and could've been more succinct. Looked up the synopsis on Wikipedia and that was enough for me.

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