One-line Summary:

“The Twelve Chairs” is a satirical novel that follows the misadventures of a group of characters as they search for a set of valuable chairs hidden with a fortune during the Russian Revolution.

Searching for a Hidden Fortune

“The Twelve Chairs” by Ilya Ilf and Evgeny Petrov is a humorous and satirical novel set in Soviet Russia during the 1920s. The story revolves around the quest for a hidden fortune that is believed to be concealed within one of twelve chairs. The chairs, originally owned by a wealthy aristocrat, were confiscated during the Russian Revolution. The novel follows the exploits of a diverse cast of characters as they embark on a madcap adventure to locate the chairs and claim the riches that lie within.

The protagonist of the story is Ippolit Matveyevich Vorobyaninov, a former nobleman who has fallen on hard times. Vorobyaninov’s mother-in-law, on her deathbed, reveals the secret of the hidden fortune to him. With the help of a charming con artist named Ostap Bender, Vorobyaninov sets off on a journey across the country in search of the chairs.

A Cast of Eccentric Characters

As Vorobyaninov and Bender traverse the Soviet Union, they encounter a colorful array of characters, each with their own motivations for finding the chairs. Among them are Father Fyodor, a corrupt priest who hopes to use the money to fund his own church; Madame Petukhova, a wealthy widow who dreams of reclaiming her former social status; and Shura Balaganov, a young woman who joins the search in the hopes of securing a better future for herself.

Throughout their journey, Vorobyaninov and Bender face numerous obstacles and setbacks. They encounter bureaucratic red tape, encounter rival treasure hunters, and even end up in jail. Despite these challenges, the duo remains determined to find the chairs and claim the fortune for themselves.

A Satirical Commentary on Soviet Society

“The Twelve Chairs” is not only an entertaining adventure story but also a biting satire on Soviet society. The novel uses humor and irony to critique the corruption, greed, and absurdity that characterized life in the early years of the Soviet Union. Through the various characters and their motivations, the authors highlight the lengths to which people will go in pursuit of wealth and social status.

The novel also explores themes of class struggle and the impact of the revolution on Russian society. The characters’ desperate search for the chairs symbolizes the desire for material wealth and the loss of traditional values in the wake of the revolution. The authors cleverly weave these themes into the narrative, creating a thought-provoking and entertaining read.

Key Takeaways:

• The Twelve Chairs is a satirical novel set in Soviet Russia during the 1920s.
• The story follows a group of characters as they search for a hidden fortune concealed within one of twelve chairs.
• The novel critiques the corruption and absurdity of Soviet society while exploring themes of class struggle and the impact of the revolution.

“The Twelve Chairs” is a hilarious and thought-provoking novel that offers a satirical commentary on Soviet society while taking readers on a wild adventure in search of hidden treasure.