<p><b>"Andrey Kurkov is often called Ukraine''s greatest living writer, and it is a gift for crime fiction fans that he writes in this genre" <i>New York Times</i></b><br><b><br>"A very intriguing and atmospheric novel by a highly accomplished writer . . . A fascinating read in the light of contemporary events" </b><b>Alexander McCall Smith, Bestselling Author of <i>The No. 1 Ladies'' Detective Agency</i></b><br><b><br>Kyiv, 1919. The Soviets control the city, but White armies menace them from the West. No man trusts his neighbour and any spark of resistance may ignite into open rebellion.</b><br><br>When Samson Kolechko''s father is murdered, his last act is to save his son from a falling Cossack sabre. Deprived of his right ear instead of his head, Samson is left an orphan, with only his father''s collection of abacuses for company.<br><br>Until, that is, his flat is requisitioned by two Red Army soldiers, whose secret plans Samson is somehow able to overhear with uncanny clarity. Ea