The Good Life Elsewhere

By: Vladimir Lorchenkov

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Synopsis: A group of adventurous villagers attempt to escape Moldova for Italy in this &“outstanding . . . darkly hilarious&” novel of poverty and hope in Eastern Europe (The Wall Street Journal). The Moldovian village of Larga is depressed in more ways than one and its remaining citizens long for a better life. Meanwhile, just over the border in Italy, the economy is booming. But when a group of Largans decide to take fate into their own hands and attempt to cross the border, their efforts result in a tragicomic romp of post-Soviet shenanigans. In this &“simultaneously hilarious and heartbreaking tale,&” an Orthodox priest is deserted by his wife for an art-dealing atheist; a mechanic redesigns his tractor for travel by air and sea; thousands of villagers take to the road on a modern-day religious crusade to make it to the promised land of Italy; meanwhile, politicians remain politicians (Publishers Weekly). &“A touching and hilarious chronicle about the age-old European yearning for one more chance. A chance that may never come.&” —Gary Shteyngart