A biting satire of Soviet ambition – Bulgakov’s novella explores the perils of tampering with nature and ideology.

In Heart of a Dog, Mikhail Bulgakov presents a darkly comic tale set in 1920s Moscow. A renowned surgeon, Professor Preobrazhensky, conducts an experiment to transform a stray dog into a human by transplanting human organs. The result is Sharikov, a crude and disruptive figure who embodies the unintended consequences of forced social engineering.

Through this transformation, Bulgakov critiques the Soviet regime's attempts to reshape society and human nature. The novella serves as an allegory for the dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation and the hubris of ideological zeal.

After listening to this book, you will learn:

• the satirical parallels between science and Soviet politics;

• the ethical dilemmas of human experimentation;

• the complexities of identity and transformation;

• the consequences of imposing ideology on nature;

• the enduring relevance of Bulgakov's critique in modern contexts.

Heart of a Dog is a compelling exploration of the intersection between science, politics, and morality, offering insights that resonate far beyond its historical setting.