The Sacred Book of the Werewolf: A Novel by Victor Pelevin

Posted on June 8, 2009 
Filed under Books, Fiction, Humor, Literature, Sci-Fi / Fantasy and tagged , , , , , , ,

book The Sacred Book of the Werewolf: A Novel by Victor Pelevin

This has to be one of the most magnificent books I’ve read in ages.  Full of humor, suspense, romance, philosophy, Buddhist principles, and enchanting prose, “The Sacred Book of the Werewolf” is one that I’d recommend a thousand times over.

This is a book about werewolves….actually, a werewolf and a werefox in Russia; Alexander and A Hu-li. 

 A Hu-li is the werefox, who is able to transform herself into an irresistible woman, and use her charms in her occupation as a prostitute.  She hypnotizes her Johns into thinking they’re having sex with her, and she takes their money while retaining her purity.

Alexander is a Russian Intelligence officer…and werewolf.  He and Hu-li fall for each other and enter into a steamy affair that is at once very erotic and terribly sweet. 

But only part of their relationship is sexual.  The rest of it, and perhaps the most intimate, is completely cerebral.  The two talk about everything from religion and art to government and war.  The talks between the two are ultimately what lead to the dramatic change in their relationship, as they attempt to reconcile their need to overpower each other intellectually, physically, and even supernaturally, with the fact that they are hopelessly in love with one another.

But as I said, this is so much more than some paranormal romance.  This book is deep, and at times challenging to read.  The author, Victor Pelevin, takes us on a journey through post Soviet Russia, and laments at the changes in the culture and character of the Country.  Through Alexander, he shows the dangers of globalism to Russia and the rest of the world. In one moving scene, Alexander is in werewolf form, and howls forlornly next to a dried up oil well. 

There is also a deep exploration of suffering and enlightenment in this novel, bringing the principles of Buddhism into the mix.  Throughout, satire and wit are used to highlight much larger issues and agendas, and frankly, it can be enjoyed on either level.

There are major plot twists, huge surprises, and so many tangents, one might be in danger of frustration if the characters weren’t so engaging.  And the seductive, sensual nature of the scenes inside Hu-li’s bomb shelter where she carries out her affair with Alexander….I’m fanning myself just recalling those moments!

So, with an alluring and hypnotic flick of my bushy foxtail, I command you to read and savor this once in a lifetime story.  You will not regret it, I promise you.

xoxo

Natalina

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Comments



5 Responses to “The Sacred Book of the Werewolf: A Novel by Victor Pelevin”

  1.  Bruno Dante on June 8th, 2009 6:05 pm

    Sounds very curiuous indeed … I have another Victor Pelevin novel, Babylon, that I started but it didn’t captivate me enough to continue reading. It was recommended by my brother who’s a bit of an intellectual and he loved it and thought I would to. I like the ideas, but the prose just didn’t grab me. I probably need to give it another go. At the moment, however, I am completely absorbed in the excellent vamp novel Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist.

  2.  natalina on June 8th, 2009 11:43 pm

    Hey Bruno! Well, I think you’d really like this book. The only other book I own by this author is Homo Zapiens. I tried to read it and lost interest. I want to read Let the Right One In. I think that’s the one Cheryl is currently reading. But, read this book! You’d really enjoy it!

  3.  Jo on June 9th, 2009 12:56 am

    This sounds interesting! What a concept. I love supernatural stuff. I’ll take your command lol. Both yours and Cheryl’s other websites are great

    Is Cheryl going to review “let the right one in”? I’ve been interested in reading it but not sure.

  4.  natalina on June 9th, 2009 1:32 am

    Jo, I really do hope that Cheryl reviews that book! I’ve been hearing great things about it. Thanks for the compliments, you sweetiepants!

  5.  cheryl on June 11th, 2009 6:50 am

    Hi Natalina, this sounds great! This is SO my thing it’s going on to my must read list.

    PS: Jo, the review for “Let the Right One In” will be up within the next day or so :)

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