Zoo, or Letters Not about Love

Set against the backdrop of exile in Berlin, this epistolary novel explores the correspondence between Viktor Shklovsky and Elsa Triolet, who imposes a unique constraint on their relationship: he cannot write about love. Through his witty and insightful letters, Shklovsky delves into contemporary life in Germany and Russia, as well as his thoughts on art and literature. Yet, beneath the surface of these diverse topics lies an unspoken longing, making each letter a subtle tribute to his unrequited affection for Elsa.