I can confirm, the Devil most certainly is in Moscow.
The Master and Margarita, by Mikhail Bulgakov, is one of my favourite novels. I read it quite a few years ago, and re-read it the end last year, in a different translation, with the view of illustrating it for samples for my portfolio. The project was going well... and then Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine began.
I have given a lot of thought as to whether I should post any of my illustrations or even put them in my portfolio. My partner’s grandfather was Ukrainian, and he has an extended family there (and seeing as we’ve been together for 22 years, I also consider my family), as well as friends in Ukraine. So I definitely don’t want to upset any Ukrainians or promote Russian culture in any way. On the other hand, I felt that this book has relevance to the current war. It talks about the politics of totalitarian regimes and how they affect the behaviour of their people.
I know that Bulgakov was born in Kyiv, and there is a museum dedicated to him in the city. I’ve read that allegedly, Putin superstitiously hates and fears the book. (I wish Behemoth and Koroviev would pay him a visit). He hates its staunchly anti-Soviet position, and its story of the Devil in Moscow, showing Muscovites their true horrible nature.
However, I also know that Bulgakov is generally regarded as a Russian writer, and his novel The White Guard is problematic because he did not agree with Ukraine’s aspirations for independence in 1918. Might he have a different view point in 2022?
I wasn’t sure whether to see this as a Russian, Ukrainian or Soviet novel? Or none of those?
I understand that Ukrainians have much more important concerns currently, than my worries about some book illustrations. But, I felt that I should at least get the opinions of some Ukrainians, before even deciding to continue the project. So, my partner asked his Ukrainian Learners group. They very kindly gave me their thoughts. The general consensus being; that it’s a very well loved book in Ukraine, that Bulgakov is a little problematic, but this particular book doesn’t have any negative connotations about Ukraine. The opinions come from native Ukrainians, including Russian speaking Ukrainians, and Ukrainian diaspora.
I still feel it’s a complicated issue, and much like this book, difficult to put your finger on. After much consideration, I still thought it worth posting, even if I do receive criticism. After all, “cowardice is the most terrible of vices”, and if Ukrainians can face bombs, and still find it in their hearts, to answer my questions, and soothe my silly worries about some artwork - then I shall fear no comment section! All comments and opinions are welcome, but please be respectful.
