Glenn, you wondered if there might be a great post-Soviet post-apocalyptic novel. Yes, such a thing exists, and I am happy to point it out to you:
"The Slynx" by Tatyana Tolstaya (first published in Russian in 2000. An English translation was published three years later by NYRB).
It is a powerful, utterly bizarre post-apocalyptic novel. In a review, John Banville - one of the English language's greatest living novelists - wrote, "It is impossible to communicate adequately the richness, the exuberance, and the horrid inventiveness of 'The Slynx'." I very much agree. It is also - in spite of its subject matter - a very funny book. I disagree with Matt Tiabbi on many points, but I can join him in praising the dark comedic genius that runs through the work of so many Russian writers.
For some earlier, lighter (well, sort of), and funnier fare, I can second Matt's recommendation of Vladimir Voinovich - in particular, his book "The Life and Extraordinary Adventures of Private Ivan Chonkin", a hilarious satire on all things Soviet, first published in 1969 (so just out of your "last 50 years" range).
Glenn, you wondered if there might be a great post-Soviet post-apocalyptic novel. Yes, such a thing exists, and I am happy to point it out to you:
"The Slynx" by Tatyana Tolstaya (first published in Russian in 2000. An English translation was published three years later by NYRB).
It is a powerful, utterly bizarre post-apocalyptic novel. In a review, John Banville - one of the English language's greatest living novelists - wrote, "It is impossible to communicate adequately the richness, the exuberance, and the horrid inventiveness of 'The Slynx'." I very much agree. It is also - in spite of its subject matter - a very funny book. I disagree with Matt Tiabbi on many points, but I can join him in praising the dark comedic genius that runs through the work of so many Russian writers.
For some earlier, lighter (well, sort of), and funnier fare, I can second Matt's recommendation of Vladimir Voinovich - in particular, his book "The Life and Extraordinary Adventures of Private Ivan Chonkin", a hilarious satire on all things Soviet, first published in 1969 (so just out of your "last 50 years" range).