Alex Gendler: Why should you read "The Master and Margarita"?

Why should you read "The Master and Margarita"?

The Devil has come to town. But don't worry– all he wants to do is stage a magic show. This absurd premise forms the central plot of Mikhail Bulgakov's masterpiece, "The Master and Margarita." Its blend of political satire, historical fiction and occult mysticism has earned a legacy as one of the 20th century's greatest novels– and one of its strangest. Alex Gendler explores the subversive novel. [Directed by Adriatic Animation, narrated by Adrian Dannatt, music by Jure Buljević]. 

A surreal novel set in Stalinist Moscow, "The Master and Margarita" weaves black magic, political satire, and historical fiction into a daring critique of Soviet society. Its plot centers on the Devil staging a bizarre magic show, exposing the absurdities of daily life under an oppressive regime. Written in secret and published only decades after the author's death, the novel reflects the dangers and frustrations faced by artists in the USSR. The story’s lasting power comes from its playful spirit, its blend of humor and darkness, and its celebration of hope even amid censorship.