pdfHeart of a Dog مجانا للكاتب ميخائيل بولغاكوف
Mikhail Bulgakov's Heart of a Dog, written in 1925, is a satirical masterpiece that humorously critiques the Russian Revolution and the socialist ideals of creating the 'New Soviet Man.' The story follows a surgeon who conducts a bizarre experiment by transplanting human body parts into a stray dog. Unexpectedly, the dog transforms into a crude, narcissistic, and ill-mannered human being. This new translation of Bulgakov's work is brought to life by the spirited reading of British actor Roy McMillan.
McMillan's narration captures the essence of the novel, using a dispassionate tone for the doctor's arrogance and a working-class (Cockney) accent for the dog. He skillfully voices the various characters, adding depth and personality to the story. While this satirical fantasy will likely resonate more with those familiar with Russian literature and the Soviet era, anyone who enjoys witty and fantastical tales will appreciate this title, especially when narrated by McMillan.
Through surreal and grotesque humor, Bulgakov cleverly reimagines the 'Frankenstein' parable, using the dog's transformation to satirize Soviet society. The story starts with the dog's unfortunate encounter with boiling water, leaving it on the verge of death during a harsh winter night. Unexpectedly, a wealthy professor takes pity on the dog and brings it into his home. However, the professor has ulterior motives, being an expert in medical experimentation. He performs a strange operation on the dog, implanting glands from a deceased criminal into its body. The result is a monstrous being, part-man and part-beast, which surprisingly adapts well to the peculiarities of Soviet society.