The events take place in Ukraine in the 1990s, during the early years of independence, at the beginning of the country’s transition from a totalitarian Soviet state to a democratic one.

 

Most of the stories were originally published in numerous mass-market periodicals aimed at a broad audience, covering crime, romance, and youth themes. The collection ‘The Rat’ was also recognized with awards at two of Ukraine’s most prestigious national literary competitions for young authors.

 

Contents

 

1. The Rat

2. The Cherries

3. Good Advice

4. Free Haircuts

5. Tanya’s Love

6. Payday

7. A Cozy Little Nest

8. Rivals

9. Girlfriends

10. A Successful Shot

11. Nerves

12. Night Work

13. Envy

14. A Good Name

15. Fried Pies

16. Radio

17. Cards