The Hack by Moses Yuriyvich Mikheyev

Laced with sardonic wit and a devil-may-care style, The Hack by Moses Yuriyvich Mikheyev is unclassifiable, but undeniably interesting. Walking around in the mind of a neurotic writer can be exhausting, particularly one as vulgar and base in its instincts, but Mikheyev weaves fine wisdom from coarse thread, touching on deep grief, personal disappointment, lack of fulfillment, and the desire to leave a legacy. A comprehensive editing sweep could polish some of the sharper edges out, and make some of the characters more palatable to all readers, but there is also an authentic narrative charm in the uncouth self-reflection. Boasting the egocentrism of Bukowski and the rambling madness of Kerouac, there are flashes of brilliance throughout this unique novel.