I mean, I get it, but it’s way too long and tedious. The stories end up feeling repetitive, even though they may not really be so, due to how bleak they all necessarily are. I know that’s the point, it’s a work of fiction but might as well be journalism with the intent of highlighting the struggles of Russian society in the countryside, and that falls flat to me in this day and age. I think the main issue is a me problem, I don’t typically like short stories collections much. But beyond that, the length made it extra unbearable. Bit of a shame, but alas.