Review: The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

What happens when the Devil takes a holiday in Soviet Moscow? Chaos, humor, and profound philosophical questions — all stirred into one surreal literary cocktail. The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov isn’t just a novel; it’s a wild ride through satire, love, and spirituality. It’s one of those rare books that leaves you wondering if you’ve just read a comedy, a tragedy, or an existential riddle — and the answer is probably all three.

Table of Contents

A Quick Overview

Written during Stalin’s oppressive regime (and published posthumously in 1967), The Master and Margarita is set in 1930s Moscow. It follows two intertwining storylines: the Devil, disguised as Professor Woland, wreaking havoc on atheistic Moscow; and the tragic love story between the Master, a tormented writer, and Margarita, his devoted muse.

Woland’s entourage — a talking cat, a fanged hitman, and a witch — turn the city upside down, exposing hypocrisy and corruption with dark humor. Meanwhile, the Master’s novel about Pontius Pilate mirrors his own suffering, adding a biblical layer to the chaos.

Sounds complicated? It is. But that’s part of the magic.

Themes That Bite (and Haunt)

At its core, Bulgakov’s novel is about good and evil, love and redemption, truth and censorship. It’s a bold satire of Soviet society — mocking blind bureaucracy and spiritual emptiness — but also a timeless reflection on the human soul.

The Devil isn’t portrayed as pure evil here; instead, Woland becomes a kind of cosmic trickster who restores balance. It’s as if Bulgakov is asking: Without evil, could good even exist?

And then there’s love. The devotion between the Master and Margarita transcends time, death, and even hell. When Margarita chooses to become a witch and join Satan’s ball just to save her lover, it’s clear that in Bulgakov’s world, love might be the only true salvation.

The Writing: Where Reality and Magic Collide

Bulgakov’s writing is as unpredictable as his characters. One moment you’re laughing at a bureaucrat turned pig; the next, you’re pondering divine justice over Pilate’s eternal guilt. The prose is lush, witty, and rich with symbolism.

He blends realism and fantasy so effortlessly that you can’t quite tell where one ends and the other begins. It’s like stepping into a fever dream where logic takes a coffee break and imagination rules.

The narrative switches between Moscow and ancient Jerusalem, between satire and theology, between laughter and despair. And yet, it all feels strangely cohesive — as if chaos itself is the structure.

Why This Book Still Matters

Even decades later, The Master and Margarita feels startlingly modern. Its critique of blind authority, its defense of artistic freedom, and its exploration of love’s redemptive power all remain relevant.

In a world where people still wrestle with moral ambiguity and creative censorship, Bulgakov’s message resonates: truth and love survive even under tyranny.

Plus, it’s simply unforgettable. The talking cat Behemoth alone deserves his own fan club.

Conclusion

The Master and Margarita isn’t an easy read — it’s chaotic, symbolic, and often strange. But if you surrender to its madness, it rewards you with humor, depth, and an unforgettable vision of humanity’s eternal dance between light and shadow.

Think of it as literary jazz: unpredictable, complex, and genius.

If you like your books darkly funny, philosophically rich, and unapologetically weird, The Master and Margarita is a must-read. It’s not just a story about devils and lovers; it’s about faith, freedom, and the human condition — all wrapped in magical realism and Soviet satire.

Bulgakov didn’t just write a novel. He created an experience — one that stays with you long after you close the book.

FAQs

Did you like it? Pin this post for later!