The Return of the Prodigal Husband

The novella “The Return of the Wayward Husband” is an ironic, a little sad, and vivid story about the life of the chief editor of the largest Moscow publishing house. Alexander, who graduated in the Soviet era from a printing institute with honors and received a prestigious assignment to the Moscow publishing house “Progress.” But in the 1990s, like everyone else, he tried to get used to the unfamiliar new conditions of “wild capitalism.” His wife, Tatyana, is always nearby, providing family comfort. But then luck smiles on Alexander: a well-paid job appears, dreams of his own publishing house, and a passionate new love. Is he able to cross out everything from the past—leaving behind the stale, insipid family life and the sense of duty and compassion—or will the feelings for his wife be stronger than the sudden surge of bright emotions?