Episode 68: “From Fiends to Friends,” or Gary Shteyngart’s Our Country Friends, Part II

Gary Shteyngart’s overtly Chekhovian novel ends in a distinctly non–Chekhovian manner, with hope. However, the hope is dearly earned, as one of the country friends sadly does not survive the second half of the book. The lads wonder if Act Four is a bit padded, and sort out the layers of satire in which Shteyngart wraps what is—at heart—a tender story of love, friendship, and forgiveness. 

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