If you enjoyed reading Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita...
then consider some of these suggested read-alikes. Please click on each title to access its catalog entry in WorldCat.
Bozai, Ágota, and David Kramer. To Err Is Divine. New York: Counterpoint, 2004.
This story discusses what happens when a widowed second grade teacher wakes up to find a halo permanently hovering above her head; the results are hardly angelic. The protagonist milks her divine intervention for all the wordly delights possible. Agota creates a darkly humorous tone and intricate plot all set within the backdrop of Eastern Europe. Moreover, the dichotomy between religious faith and selfish desires so prevalent throughout Bulgakov's masterpiece drive the plot throughout this novel.
Dostoevsky, Fyodor. The Brothers Karamazov. New York: Modern Library, 1950.
A consummate example of literary fiction, Dostoevsky's final novel details the hidden and dangerous lives of three brothers who have just lost their father as the result of a violent murder. A moving courtroom drama unfolds as the reader guesses as to which seemingly guitly brother committed the horrible crime. Beyond the interesting plot, however, is a deeply thought-provoking and complex story that considers morality, faith, and suffering amid a developing Russia. In addition to sharing themes and setting, the respective classics of Dostoevsky and Bulgakov employ stylized language; rich details; and a dense, but compelling pace.
Fforde's fantasy/science fiction novel takes place in a future world characterized by an unusual basis for social hierarchy-varrying levels of color perception. Protagonist Eddie Russett is seemingly well off; he has a better-than-average red perception. He also has an increased ability to see through the lies and corruption defining his government and its all-controlling Rules. This intricately plotted novel benefits from a strong sense of place. The fantasy world of Fforde's novel provides the backdrop for a corrupt and hierarhical government not unlike that dictating action throughout Bulgakov's Moscow. The bleak and thought-provoking mood, presented amid a humorous tone, is sure to appeal to Bulgakov fans.
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, Goethe's Faust in Two Parts. New York: Lovell, Coryell, 1882
Goethe's two-part play, represents a consummate piece of literary fiction. The play features the devil, who takes delight in the evil exhibited in a mankind fraught with greed, ignorance, and corruption. Following a bet with God, the devil descends to Earth to demonstrate that he can corrupt even the most loyal follower of The Lord, Faust. Faust plays games and makes deals with the devil in a timeless story of temptation and self-involvement. Clearly, this play contains plot details and themes prevalent throughout The Master and Margarita. What's more, both pieces of literature demonstrate intricate writing, bleak mood, unusual characterization, and timeless themes.
Knipfel, Jim. These Children That Come at You with Knives, and Other Fairy Tales Stories. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2010.
This unusual collection of stories features alternate verions of familiar fables and fairy tales. The expected lessons and values present within such traditional literature is absent-replaced with codnemnations of greed and immorality. Although the format of this book differs greatly from The Master and Margarita, the books appear linked by their witty/humorous tone, eccentric characters, and ability to twist familiar stories for the sake of satirical social commentary.
Rushdie, Salman. The Satanic Verses. New York, NY: Viking, 1989.
This story brings together two Indian-born actors through a dramatic hijacking and plane crash. Despite the simialr background of the two characters, the actors starkly juxtapose one another in terms of morality; a classic good vs. evil dichtomoy arises. Still, Rushdie's novel is anything but expected. The author employs dark humor, bleak mood, stylized language, and an intricate plot in order to create a biting satire of religious faith and human nature. The presence of magical realsim further renders this novel unusual, albeit, similar to Bulgakov's classic.
Slavnikova, Olʹga, and Marian Schwartz. 2017. New York, NY: Overlook/Duckworth, 2010.
Russian author Ol'ga Slavnikova takes her reader to a highly detailed fantasy world resembling Russia. The main difference: the world is fraught with devastation as it still aims to recuperate from a revolution based on class divison 100 years earlier. In this world, a wealthy professor seeks to earn more wealth and fame by leading an expedition to uncover precious gems. In the process, the professor symbolizes the corruption and lack of morality defining the society and government surrounding him. The novel signifies a warning of the dangerous path the author sees her homeland headed down-one exacerbated by political corruption and social immorality.
Smith, Zadie. White Teeth. New York: Vintage International, 2001.
White Teeth explores the lives of immigrants representing
newcomers in post-WWII London. The novel intricately
weaves interconnected narratives as a means to discuss religious faith, political oppression, and individuality within a mid 1900's European backdrop. The novel's relaxed pace and humorous tone while exploring serious topics links the novel to the Bulgakov classic. The same can be said for the presence of memorable characters and a strong sense of place.
Vollmann, William T. Europe Central. New York: Viking, 2005.
Vollmann's novel effectively weaves numerous interconnected stories regarding the dichotomy of good vs. evil as evident in the decisions made by a wide range of German and Russian indiviudals. The actions of characters often appear highly influenced by the presence of authoritarian governments at war. Bulgakov's work shares geographical and structural elements to this novel. Moreover, both novels create intricate plots unfolded through rich detail, stylized language, and complexity. Additionally, the novels share themes related to governmental control, morality, and taking one's faith in his own hands.
Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Grey. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000.
Like Bulgakov, Oscar Wilde earned a reputation for intricate stories, stylized language, and literary prowess. These elements all appear throughout this novel. Wilde tells the story of Dorian Gray, a marvelously handsome man who becomes obsessed with his appearance. Wilde reveals that Dorian Gray's vanity is emblematic of upper-class society throughout Victorian England. In doing so, the author provides a biting satire condmening the customs of the world surrounding him and a moving account of human suffering. It is important to note that this novel has been plagued with censorship and social concern throughout its existence due to elements of homosexuality. This controverisal nature further links the work to that of Bulgakov.
If you're looking to find The Master and Margarita in music...
then check out this playlist (created on
MixPod). It is comprised of a diverse range of songs directly influenced by
The Master and Margarita. The prevalence of references to the novel in popular music indicates the broad cultural importance of the classic work. Please scroll below the playlist to learn more about the songs/artists.
Please click on the artist name to access related online sites. Click on the song title for lyrics (sorry, no lyrics currently available to "Master i Margarita")
1. The Rolling Stones-"Sympathy for the Devil"
Originally appearing on the 1968 album, Beggars Banquet, this classic Rolling Stones song includes many similarities to The Master and Margarita. Composer Mick Jagger explains the song is partially about the dichotomy of good and evil.
2. Pearl Jam-"Pilate"
This track from the 1998 album Yield features lyrics inspired by the confrontation between Pilate and Yeshua Ha-Nostri as told by Bulgakov. The song describes Pilate sitting on a hill with his dog, Banga by his side.
3. Franz Ferdinand-"Love and Destroy"
The lyrics of this song, a b-side from the 2004
Michael single, describes Margarita as she finds love and liberation while destroying the Dramlit House. During the writing process the song was frequently referred to as "Margarita."
4. The Lawrence Arms-"Chapter 13: The Hero Appears"
The 2003 record on which the song appears,
The Greatest Story Ever Told, represents a concept album loosely based on Bulgakov's
The Master and Margarita. The album features numerous lyrical references to the novel. The liner notes cite Ivan Nikolaevich as an additional musician on and hero of the album. Like
The Master and Margarita, the album is said to tell two distinct stories with interconnecting themes.
5. Igor Nikolaev-"Master i Margarita"
Nikolaev became a Russian pop icon thanks, in part, to this song. The song (written in Russian) details the spiritual and creative suffering of a man who has lost his love. The ubiquitous nature of The Master and Margarita throughout Russian culture likely contributed to the commercial success of this song.
Like Bulgakov, Oscar Wilde earned a reputation for intricate stories, stylized language, and literary prowess. These elements all appear throughout this novel. Wilde tells the story of Dorian Gray, a marvelously handsome man who becomes obsessed with his appearance. Wilde reveals that Dorian Gray's vanity is emblematic of upper-class society throughout Victorian England. In doing so, the author provides a biting satire condmening the customs of the world surrounding him and a moving account of human suffering. It is important to note that this novel has been plagued with censorship and social concern throughout its existence due to elements of homosexuality. This controverisal nature further links the work to that of Bulgakov.
