Three Moments of Russian Happiness
Three vignettes set in Russia: "The Vegetable Market," "The Doorkeeper of TASS," and "Border Controls." In "The Vegetable Market," the narrator, a visitor,…
On the paradox of Russia's cruelty and grace: "But the consideration accorded me was equalled by the cruelty with which people struck at a beggar woman with canes the moment she touched a fruit."