Books

Broke and disillusioned, Samizdat spends his days teaching Pushkin and Chekhov the apathetic students of Moscow.  Once an outspoken anti-Soviet intellectual, Samizdat finds life in Brezhnev-era Russia reduced to his singular passion for the horse track.  With few companions besides an overbearing girlfriend, Samizdat – known in betting circles as “The Teacher” – passes the days gambling away his meagre paycheck in the company of the racetrack’s motley crew of regulars.

After years of gambling losses, The Teacher and a comrade, Zenya – known as “The professional” – finally win big against incredible odds. But instead of escaping the poverty and malaise of Soviet Moscow with their winnings, the pair find themselves falsely accused of fraud by the government and forced in the service of the KGB.  Now trained as international saboteurs, they are sent to Paris in a hairbrained scheme to try their luck and expertise at the famed Vincennes Racetrack.

As the two bleed their funds dry, the contracts between the prosperous city of light and the desperation of their homeland become evident.  The fruits and freedom of Paris are intoxicating, but they’re a long way from the grit of Russia, from the sawdust and chaos of their beloved Moscow racetrack.

Paperback.