Valery Popov is a recognized master—both a Petersburg writer, and, by where he lives, and in spirit, a passionate admirer of Gogol, because “only in him are combined the luxury of life, fun, and horror.” Who is to blame that the life of the heroine of Popov’s very personal, confessional novel “To Dance Until Death” so quickly crosses the fateful line? Heredity? Bad times? Or is nobody to blame? Fear is overcome with laughter, humor helps you hold on…