Vladimir Voinovich is a master of satirically depicting the absurdity of Soviet life. His works piercingly reveal the senselessness of the totalitarian regime while not neglecting the human dimension. Voinovich's literary creation was closely tied to his dissident activities, which ultimately forced him into emigration. Despite these trials, his deeply insightful and ironic prose remains relevant and compelling.
Ivan Chonkin is a simple, bumbling peasant who has been drafted into the Red Army. Shortly before the outbreak of World War II, he is sent to an obscure village with one week's ration of canned meat and orders to guard a downed plane. Apparently forgotten by his unit, Chonkin resumes his life as a peasant and passes the war peacefully tending the village postmistress's garden.