The Old Genie Hottabych

I read this in Russian as a kid and like many good children's books, this can be enjoyed by people of various ages on varying levels. The story is simple - Volka, a boy in the "Golden" era of the Soviet Union finds the classic magic lamp with Hottabych the genie, his new-found willing servant. However, it turns out that the society the old genie has gotten himself into does not make much sense to him, resulting in unpredictable, funny and weird moments.There is a central strand of Soviet propaganda in the book. Hottabych is of course painted with the exaggerated backwardness of someone from a pre-communist, "superstitious" and unscientific society: he has trouble coming to terms with the seeming lack of private property, the alleged equality of women and the scientific advances (such as the knowledge of the earth's roundness, which in reality) made since his glory days in the 1001 Nights tales and the lack of slavery.However, as can be expected, with the guidance and friendship of the boy, Hottabych eventually overcomes some of his cranky closed-mindedness and starts showing an interest in the scientific, educational and cultural aspects of the USSR around him, so the socialist ideal triumphs over Middle-eastern romanticism.What good might there ever be in such a blatantly propagandist book (one which pained me when looking over it for this review when I discovered some of the more sinister unintentional references)? Well, it's still a great children's story, told by an author who respects his young readers enough to use skillful satire and other "grown-up" techniques. It's also endearing, as we get close to the well-meaning but old and outdated Hottabych having adventures alongside Volka, the sober youngster. Finally, it really does provide an absolutely fascinating time-capsule-like view into the classical Soviet worldview and what it thought of other cultures, places and ideas.An great work of Soviet 1950s imaginative nostalgia that doubles up as a fun read for kids as well as a potential PhD topic on Soviet values.

I read this one when I was a teenager, although it is meant for younger kids. The story is simple: a modern good Soviet boy finds an old musty lamp in a river, rubs it. Of course, out comes a genie. And this most medieval, eastern genie has to deal with modern, Soviet reality.Now this sounds pretty odd, and the book is odd too - in a good way.At times it is predictably preachy Soviet (lending a certain vintage charm to the book) and at times it is surprising, weird and funny.I just ordered this translation. Even though the book is a Soviet Classic it is surprisingly hard to find in an American library. And now, to my happy surprise it is in English!!! How could I pass it by?!!Do order this one - odd as it is, I think you (and I) will not regret it!

Amazing book!

I was given a copy of this book when I was eight, more than forty years ago. It is a terrific book for children, with plenty of action and magic and humour told from the unusual perspective of life inside the old Soviet Union. But, don't be put off, as there is nothing remotely political about this book. I still have my original copy and have recently been reading it with my nine year old son, who loves it,too. It says a lot that, even after forty years, the story is as fresh as ever and even before I turn a page I still remember what's coming. Pure Magic.